Evolution of a kayak fisherman |
Wednesday, 07 October 2009 18:05 |
Evolution of a kayak fisherman. Special multi part series featuring the perspective of a fly fisherman and his experiences in salt and fresh water with a kayak. Part 1: What's All This Yak'n About? Why the Intrigue of "Kayak Fishing?" My experiences are not unlike many of yours - over the years we have done a lot of fishing, boating, canoeing, communing with nature and the like. Well, kayak fishing combines them all into one and creates a unique system for successful fishing as well as enjoying some of Mother Natures' best. The fishing kayak is easily transported, can be launched where you want to fish and is totally self-contained. This fit the bill perfectly for me, as I regularly fly fish on inland lakes, rivers, streams, Lake Michigan and the coastal waters of Southern Georgia. Our goal is to help simplify one's adventure into kayak fishing, and we will do that through my experiences. Just for the record, my first kayak, purchased in late August, has been on the water about a dozen times thus far. Some rigging has been added, and it appears I have just a hint about what I am doing. So, we will take the ride together through my forays into this new sport. Hopefully, for those who are a bit apprehensive, this will provide that needed nudge of encouragement for you to take the plunge - rhetorically speaking of course. Old or young doesn't matter. Just a month or two short of my 60th I have found Yak fishing to be a most enjoyable workout, though it does require some modest amount of effort. But what a return - more energy, fresh air, great scenery and a true Zen like experience. Plus, you will find some great fishing opportunities. Remember, many times you will be fishing where boats can't get to - guess where the pressured fish hang out. Above all, have Fun!!! So, where does one get started? Well, getting that first Yak is most logical. While it can appear overwhelming, we will strive to eliminate the mystery and reduce my 2+year search to a matter of weeks for you. Next month we'll address the task of loading and unloading -- this was one of the great surprises encountered when we got the Yak home. What I learned should make this task a "no brainer". Buying a Fishing Kayak:
An Easy Stroll to the Beach and Fishing Make sure you can stretch out in the Yak and access rod and tackle locations with ease. Most models have adjustable foot braces, which adapt to your needs.
10. What should you expect to pay for your first venture into this sport? For a basic new Yak and the needed accessories, somewhere in the neighborhood of a $1,000. Good, used Yaks and basic accessories will be in the $500 to $800 range. Obviously, you can always spend more. Finally, don't get hung up on finding the "perfect" kayak for your initial experience. Focus on the major manufacturers - they produce quality boats that will more than likely meet your needs. Remember, we are looking at this from a beginners perspective; you can always change things down the road. We want newcomers to have a positive experience and not "hang it up" because of some issue that could have been avoided. There it is in simple terms. This is not rocket science, though some may argue that hull design
Ready to Hit the Waters of Green Bay might border on it. But, by staying with quality names you really can't go wrong as long as it meets your needs, fits your body style, etc. As noted earlier, the surprise came when we arrived home with my new "toy" as my wife refers to it. She really helped me make a take the plunge with the "fish or cut bait" routine as she had enough - ad nasueam I believe she referred to my 2 years of research. But her input led me to not only making the decision but simplifying the loading/unloading process, which will be covered in December. My passion is fly fishing and while this column will address all styles of kayak fishing, my emphasis will tend towards fly fishing out of a Yak, covering a variety of conditions, situations and various species from both Fresh and Salt water. In addition, being a Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor, I will address some of the challenges fly fishers face when fly casting from a kayak. We have a lot of topics to cover in future columns from fishing adventures, gear and rigging, clothing, safety, new products, plus some I am probably not even aware of at this point. We welcome your comments and input as we want to help all kayak fishers enjoy this great sport, especially those just starting out. So, until next month, safe paddling and tight lines. Remember, "Anything worth doing well is worth doing badly at first." Steve Osterhaus is a Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor and lives/ fishes in Door County, Wisconsin and Tybee Island, Georgia (Jan - Apr). He can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
Login
Newsletter
Also of Interest
Most Popular
Every now and then we meet people who really get it. We meet them in all walks of life. For our purpose here at KFM we’re interested in fishing and specifically kayak fishing....
I met Jean when I stopped in Everglades Kayak Fishing headquarters, which are now in JT’s Cafe in Chokoloskee on my recent trip to Florida. She was working there taking...
Steve Komarinetz is the Dr. Frankenstein of the operation. He is doing some terrific installations in quite an array of kayaks. He also sells complete kits for the do it...
Random
KFM: Can you tell our readers some about your background in the paddle industry - in particular your involvement in the start of Wilderness Systems? I Started Wilderness Systems...
My name is Suzanne Fisher and I'm a native Floridian living in Jax, FL. I got into Kayaking with my husband several years ago and thoroughly enjoy the great outdoors and all of...
Rich Jones – Everglades Kayak Fishing By Jon Shein I first met Rich in the fall of 2007 when I made it down to the Everglades. We were both guiding for Everglades Kayak Fishing...