kayak fishing

[Fireballer 2,640]

My son has deciding he wants to start kayak fishing some local creeks and streams that aren’t accessible by bass boat.  I know there’s some kayak guys here @kilroy69 @Hawkeye21.  I’ve done a lot of kayaking, but not kayak fishing.  I know there’s gotta be some features that are must haves.  We’re gonna be using them for probably 4-5 hrs at a time. We’re starting off with human propelled.  I guess rod and tackle storage is a big priority?  We’re gonna be using mostly light/medium duty spinning gear, 5’- 5’6” rods.  A good seat is gonna be my priority too.  I can imagine it can get pretty uncomfortable at times. I guess I need to spend about 1k to get something decent, or no?  What else? 

[Hawkeye21 2,388]

It sounds like you've done your homework.  When I first started I bought this kayak, https://pelicansport.com/products/kayak-the-catch-120-krp12p208  It was on sale at the time and I'm glad I bought it.  It was a solid kayak for a beginner.  Comfortable seat, rod holders, stable enough to stand and had space behind the seat for tackle storage.

[kilroy69 1,228]

I split my fishing life into 2 parts. When I just fished from land and when I discovered fishing from a Kayak.  You are going to be amazed at the type of big fish you will get from the kayak that you would not from the bank.

I use this https://www.proxibid.com/Estate-Personal-Property/Personal-Property/Old-Town-Guide-Otter-fiberglass-kayak-Approx-9-long-x-30-w-Has-seat-with-a-backrest/lotInformation/43038236

I put my supplies in either the nose of the kayak or behind me. 

[Hawkeye21 2,388]

This is what I currently fish out of.  https://www.nucanoe.com/nucanoe-frontier/  I still have my Pelican though, in case a friend wants to go.

[kilroy69 1,228]

I also use a kayak paddle with a notch on both ends. It is considered a bait catcher. What is has turned out for me to be a clever way to drag my kayak around. I put the notch at the front of my kayak and it saves my back from getting it in and out. 

[Hawkeye21 2,388]

I always have my paddle with me but I use a trolling motor on mine.  I also have a pedal drive I can put on and take off when needed.  My rig is all set up for tournament fishing.

[Fireballer 2,640]

28 minutes ago, Hawkeye21 said:

This is what I currently fish out of.  https://www.nucanoe.com/nucanoe-frontier/  I still have my Pelican though, in case a friend wants to go.

Really like the looks of that elevated seat

[Fireballer 2,640]

35 minutes ago, kilroy69 said:

I split my fishing life into 2 parts. When I just fished from land and when I discovered fishing from a Kayak.  You are going to be amazed at the type of big fish you will get from the kayak that you would not from the bank.

I use this https://www.proxibid.com/Estate-Personal-Property/Personal-Property/Old-Town-Guide-Otter-fiberglass-kayak-Approx-9-long-x-30-w-Has-seat-with-a-backrest/lotInformation/43038236

I put my supplies in either the nose of the kayak or behind me. 

Interesting.  So you don’t even use a “fishing” kayak?  

[kilroy69 1,228]

9 minutes ago, Fireballer said:

Interesting.  So you don’t even use a “fishing” kayak?  

Nope. I have used them. I have a pelican catch 100(kinda like what hawkeye has). The problem with fishing kayaks is they are typically heavy and the draft does not allow you to get into shallow places. They paddle like icebergs  (which makes a trolling motor almost mandatory)and if you are in shalllow water you may end up having to portage a kayak that weighs 600lbs vs one that can easily be dragged. I take one pole out with my tackle box tucked in the front. I have only had one time in all my kayak fishing that I could not land something. I caught a pike that was about 45 inches long and each time I tried to get her in I almost flipped. 

[Hawkeye21 2,388]

The Pelican is pretty light.  The NuCanoe is a bit heavier.  Then when I have it fully loaded it's plenty heavy.  I love it though.

[kilroy69 1,228]

9 minutes ago, Hawkeye21 said:

The Pelican is pretty light.  The NuCanoe is a bit heavier.  Then when I have it fully loaded it's plenty heavy.  I love it though.

Actually you are right about the weight. I just ended up bringing so much more shitt with the pelican. An anchor, the motor, 2 tackle boxes the battery for the motor and a partridge in a pear tree.   Where as with the otter I am forced to do more with less and it keeps it light weight. There are trade offs for sure. You can use the pelican more like a boat in open water and the otter would be better to get into smaller places and streams. 

[Hawkeye21 2,388]

Just now, kilroy69 said:

Actually you are right about the weight. I just ended up bringing so much more shitt with the pelican. An anchor, the motor, 2 tackle boxes the battery for the motor and a partridge in a pear tree.  It ended up being a mini boat. 

I recommend getting yourself an 8 foot long fiberglass garden stake and use it when you want to anchor in shallow water.

[kilroy69 1,228]

5 minutes ago, Hawkeye21 said:

I recommend getting yourself an 8 foot long fiberglass garden stake and use it when you want to anchor in shallow water.

That is a freaking awesome idea. 

[SUXBNME 1,460]

I have one of these.

https://cdn.boatzon.com/media/2023-vexus-boats-vx20-1682436035466/mainurl.jpg?w=600&q=75

[kilroy69 1,228]

4 minutes ago, SUXBNME said:

I have one of these.

https://cdn.boatzon.com/media/2023-vexus-boats-vx20-1682436035466/mainurl.jpg?w=600&q=75

fock you sux hahahaahaha

[Hawkeye21 2,388]

14 minutes ago, kilroy69 said:

That is a freaking awesome idea. 

I would just use a clamp and attach myself to it.  It works great.

[Hawkeye21 2,388]

11 minutes ago, SUXBNME said:

I have one of these.

https://cdn.boatzon.com/media/2023-vexus-boats-vx20-1682436035466/mainurl.jpg?w=600&q=75

That's a hell of a kayak.  Why not just buy a boat?  

[lickin_starfish 1,906]

I fish from a Bonafide SS107. It's stable enough for me to fish standing up with no effort. The seat is adjustable and super comfortable. I installed two Anchor Wizards, one for the bow and one for the stern.

 

[Fireballer 2,640]

47 minutes ago, kilroy69 said:

Nope. I have used them. I have a pelican catch 100(kinda like what hawkeye has). The problem with fishing kayaks is they are typically heavy and the draft does not allow you to get into shallow places. They paddle like icebergs  (which makes a trolling motor almost mandatory)and if you are in shalllow water you may end up having to portage a kayak that weighs 600lbs vs one that can easily be dragged. I take one pole out with my tackle box tucked in the front. I have only had one time in all my kayak fishing that I could not land something. I caught a pike that was about 45 inches long and each time I tried to get her in I almost flipped. 

One of my concerns is getting into a situation where paddling against wind or current would ruin a trip.  Do they really paddle that much worse than a flat bottom canoe or kayak?

[Hawkeye21 2,388]

9 minutes ago, Fireballer said:

One of my concerns is getting into a situation where paddling against wind or current would ruin a trip.  Do they really paddle that much worse than a flat bottom canoe or kayak?

I have paddled my NuCanoe into the wind plenty of times.  It's a lot of work but it's doable.  I've gotten myself into some pretty dangerous situations on my kayak, even with my motor.

[Hawkeye21 2,388]

16 minutes ago, lickin_starfish said:

I fish from a Bonafide SS107. It's stable enough for me to fish standing up with no effort. The seat is adjustable and super comfortable. I installed two Anchor Wizards, one for the bow and one for the stern.

 

I almost bought the 12' Bonafide but decided on the NuCanoe.  I don't regret it.

[kilroy69 1,228]

18 minutes ago, Fireballer said:

One of my concerns is getting into a situation where paddling against wind or current would ruin a trip.  Do they really paddle that much worse than a flat bottom canoe or kayak?

To me it was like paddling an focking iceberg. 

[Hawkeye21 2,388]

24 minutes ago, kilroy69 said:

To me it was like paddling an focking iceberg. 

There's nothing worse than trying to paddle one through matted grass and into the wind.  Ugh...

[Dozer FBG 324]

You guys have some very cool boats!

Those basic sit-in Pelican models, the ones in the $4-500 range are pretty cool. Just make sure you get one with rod holders. I can strap mine in my truck, find a lake or farm pond, and then just carry it in to a fishing spot. It’s all pretty easy, very convenient, and fun!

The one pictured here doesn't have the rod holders, but its about the same as mine. I need to dust it of and find a lake!

Also, as an accessory my wife bought me a waterproof iphone holder thing that you wear around your neck… Can’t find a link, but you get the idea...

[Hawkeye21 2,388]

Must haves:

PFD - NRS Chinook Fishing Kayak Lifejacket (PFD) https://a.co/d/b0Rtf9M

Phone Tether - https://www.robohawk.us/products/copy-of-stinger-universal-phone-harness-and-tether-system

Whistle to attach to your PFD - Shoreline Marine Safety Whistle https://a.co/d/3Zp5qkX

I recommend some sort of pliers that you also have attached to your PFD. (Try to keep important things attached to yourself or your kayak)  This is what I use MABIS Precision Kelly Forceps Locking Tweezers Clamp, Silver, Curved, 5-1/2 Inch, 1 Count (Pack of 1) https://a.co/d/7agKgrh

 

[SUXBNME 1,460]

5 hours ago, kilroy69 said:

fock you sux hahahaahaha

 

5 hours ago, Hawkeye21 said:

That's a hell of a kayak.  Why not just buy a boat?  

Yea...Like I can afford a 100k + bass boat 

I can afford a Kayak, but that takes too much manual labor. 

[Hawkeye21 2,388]

14 minutes ago, SUXBNME said:

 

Yea...Like I can afford a 100k + bass boat 

I can afford a Kayak, but that takes too much manual labor. 

When people see my kayak rigged up they always ask why I don’t just buy a boat. A boat is way too much work for me. A kayak has almost no maintenance and is easy for me to store in my garage. 

[SUXBNME 1,460]

2 hours ago, Hawkeye21 said:

When people see my kayak rigged up they always ask why I don’t just buy a boat. A boat is way too much work for me. A kayak has almost no maintenance and is easy for me to store in my garage. 

The two best days about a boat is the day you buy it and the day you sell it. I learned that.   
I do miss my tri hull bass boat, tho.  I've got tons of pictures somewhere of it. 

Gypsybrat and I used to take it out 3-4 times a week back in the day at Folsom Lake.  Some of the best memories in my life. 

[Engorgeous George 2,216]

I use an Ascend FS10 bought at Bass Pro Shop for$499 less 20%.  Not fancy but sufficient for my needs. The seat gets a bit uncomfortable after a few hours, the foot pegs could have a bit more space for your feet, but it is inexpensive and easy enough to lift on and off the rack on my truck.

[Fireballer 2,640]

On 8/24/2023 at 2:48 PM, Hawkeye21 said:

This is what I currently fish out of.  https://www.nucanoe.com/nucanoe-frontier/  I still have my Pelican though, in case a friend wants to go.

I went ahead and got one of these, glad I did.  I was set to drop 1k on a decent sit on top, so I figured what the hell.  I also built a trailer to carry our 2 fishing kayaks and this. This thing is so much nicer than those “bass buggys” I had when so was a teenager.  Do you have any electronics set up?  I’ve researched some pretty slick set ups that are still relatively cheap.  I’m seeing good reviews on some Garmin units.

[kilroy69 1,228]

10 minutes ago, Fireballer said:

I went ahead and got one of these, glad I did.  I was set to drop 1k on a decent sit on top, so I figured what the hell.  I also built a trailer to carry our 2 fishing kayaks and this. This thing is so much nicer than those “bass buggys” I had when so was a teenager.  Do you have any electronics set up?  I’ve researched some pretty slick set ups that are still relatively cheap.  I’m seeing good reviews on some Garmin units.

I am still using the otters that I have been using for almost 10 years now. I landed 2 pike in the last week that were almost 40 inches each. 

[Hawkeye21 2,388]

33 minutes ago, Fireballer said:

I went ahead and got one of these, glad I did.  I was set to drop 1k on a decent sit on top, so I figured what the hell.  I also built a trailer to carry our 2 fishing kayaks and this. This thing is so much nicer than those “bass buggys” I had when so was a teenager.  Do you have any electronics set up?  I’ve researched some pretty slick set ups that are still relatively cheap.  I’m seeing good reviews on some Garmin units.

Congrats!  I have a Garmin that I mount on the gear track towards the front left side.  I also have a MotorGuide trolling motor mounting to the bow.  The motor is the greatest thing I've added.  It makes fishing so much more enjoyable.

[Fireballer 2,640]

Is your Garmin pretty much just a depth finder or does it do OK as a fish finder too?  I have my reservations about these little units doing much for than depth. 

[MTSkiBum 1,620]

18 hours ago, Fireballer said:

Is your Garmin pretty much just a depth finder or does it do OK as a fish finder too?  I have my reservations about these little units doing much for than depth. 

 

I use a 10 year old Garmin that couldn't have cost more than 100 dollars back then on my bay boat and it works as a fish finder just fine in depths greater than 8-10 feet. 

Any shallower than that it gets confused and you probably want a more expensive side scanner.

[Hawkeye21 2,388]

19 hours ago, Fireballer said:

Is your Garmin pretty much just a depth finder or does it do OK as a fish finder too?  I have my reservations about these little units doing much for than depth. 

Mine is a Garmin 73sv.  It has maps, regular sonar, down scan and side scan.  I keep it on split screen with down and side scan images to help me find structure.  Other than that I use it for knowing my depth and water temp.  I use my phone for mapping and waypoints usually.  I need to win some tourneys so I can upgrade to live scope.

[Nomad99 711]

If you fish anywhere in current, a drift chute works great. I had one set up on my kayak with a pully system so I could move it front to back. It was great for drifting sideways when set in the middle. 

[Fireballer 2,640]

43 minutes ago, Hawkeye21 said:

Mine is a Garmin 73sv.  It has maps, regular sonar, down scan and side scan.  I keep it on split screen with down and side scan images to help me find structure.  Other than that I use it for knowing my depth and water temp.  I use my phone for mapping and waypoints usually.  I need to win some tourneys so I can upgrade to live scope.

I’ve got a Lowrance Active Target on by bass boat.  My issue is that I’m mostly gonna be using this in tidal situations looking for bass in 1-4 feet of water against the bank in lay downs and off grass flats. I’m not really concerned about seeing under the boat. Will a $500ish unit do side scan well?

[Hawkeye21 2,388]

3 minutes ago, Fireballer said:

I’ve got a Lowrance Active Target on by bass boat.  My issue is that I’m mostly gonna be using this in tidal situations looking for bass in 1-4 feet of water against the bank in lay downs and off grass flats. I’m not really concerned about seeing under the boat. Will a $500ish unit do side scan well?

It should.  Side scan has been around a while now so it's available in cheaper units.

[Fireballer 2,640]

@kilroy69 @Hawkeye21 you guys in fishing any? The weather around here has been really nice lately and I have fished probably 5 days in the last two weeks. Bass in the local river are hot.  Nothing huge, but probably averaging 10 fish per day and usually one or two in thd 3-4 lb range each outing.  

[Maximum Overkill 1,825]

I live on the inner coastal and will take the Kayak out sometimes on a nice calm morning. I'll even crab out of it. I have a Kayak that's flat bottom, built for fishing