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Kayak Fishing
I take on a very different style of kayak fishing than other kayak fishermen that I know. Most people prefer the rock solid primary stability and large amount of storage area on a sit-on top kayak. I try to combine all of the benefits of a high performance touring kayak into a fishing boat. With a little bit of experience, stability is not an issue at all- I have never capsized while fighting a fish in nine years of kayak fishing. I have had no difficulty landing yellowtail from my 24” wide boat, and I look forward to fighting larger fish someday from it. With the lower center of gravity that comes from a lower seating position, sit-inside kayaks are much more stable for a given width than sit on tops. The added length (17’) also contributes to stability. Touring kayaks are much faster, handle better in wind, and are more capable for surf launches and landings. Having a faster kayak allows me to launch almost anywhere and travel further to fishing spots with ease.
Partly by necessity and partly by preference, I am a minimalist when it comes to gear. I like to be able to carry all of my gear, including my kayak, paddle, and rods, in a single load from the car to the launch. I usually carry two rods, one rigged with an iron or similar flashy bait and another equipped with a 5” plastic swimbait or bucktail jig. A small tackle box with a dozen lures, a tape measure, and a pair of pliers complete my fishing gear for most outings. I have seen artificial lures outfish bait many times and I always believe that there is an artificial lure that will catch fish on any given day. This may not be the truth, but it doesn’t stop my from trying. I am most excited by trying to trick a fish into biting something that is nothing more than metal, plastic or feather. A lure lying on the ground would interest a fish no more than a typical rock, but with in the hands of a skilled angler it almost becomes a living thing.
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