Getting into kayak fishing? Here are 8 expert tips for success

#3  CUSTOMIZE WITH CAUTION

If you’re not the do-it-yourself type, you might prefer a pre-rigged boat. But if you’re even minimally handy—as in competent enough to hang a shelf or change a windshield wiper—you can modify your own kayak. This is inexpensive, and it lets you customize the boat exactly as you like.

In fact, there are so many options that I’ve never seen two boats rigged the same way. Just proceed with caution. You don’t want a kayak festooned with crap you’ll never use or, even worse, accessories installed in annoying spots.

The idea of cutting holes in my boat filled me with terror, so I waited a full season before making any modifications. This gave me a feel for what I needed, and where to put it. For example, I added a trolling rod holder behind my left shoulder. Owing to my build and my kayak’s dimensions, that’s the easiest spot for me to reach in a hurry.

Since I sometimes fly fish, I was careful not to install any fittings that would interfere with my line. I also went with a modular mounting system, so I can swap in accessories as needed, such as a camera post or extra rod holder.

# 4  KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS

At the risk of sounding like a motivational speaker, I believe the key to consistent kayak-fishing success is simple: exploit your strengths, and work around your weaknesses. When I first got my kayak, I took it to popular fishing spots on nearby lakes. There, my slow speed, short range and vulnerability to wind and waves proved to be a handicap, and I got no advantage from the kayak’s shallow draft, stealth and ease of launching. Then, I got it. Instead of starting from the public ramp and paddling a few klicks, I drove down the lake, parked on the side of the road, and launched at a little easement right by my fishing spot.

Eventually I got even craftier, using Google Earth and detailed maps to find makeshift launch spots with access to kayak-friendly waters—places powerboats tend to overlook or avoid. Believe me, if you find a spot that has no boat ramp, or requires a two-minute portage, or is guarded by prop-killing rocks, you’ve found a spot that gets no serious fishing pressure. Live it up—and keep it off social media, too.

#5  MAKE A FISHING PLAN

Powerboats are designed to cover a lot of water, and quickly. Not so with kayaks. That’s why kayak anglers need to make a plan before heading out. For starters, as I mentioned, pick launch points that minimize your paddling (or pedaling) time. If you like to keep moving, choose a route that allows you to efficiently hit different spots along the way to maximize your fishing opportunities. If things don’t go well, it’s easy enough to pull out and put in elsewhere.

As well, always consider the weather when making your plan for the day. Fishing and drifting downwind for several hours is pleasant enough; grinding all the way back into wind and waves is less so. Small, smart, strategic choices such as these make your day more enjoyable and productive.