Must-do spring adventure: Pulling giant channel cats out of small streams

PADDLE ACCESS

No doubt, the most effective way to stalk and tangle with these freshwater beasts is from a kayak. These tributaries are twisty, tangled and full of obstructions that would be hazardous for even a small motorboat. But with a kayak’s manoeuvrability and shallow draft, the rivers are easily navigable and you can quickly and stealthily paddle into tight quarters. Plus, you don’t need to find a boat ramp to launch.

The current in most of these waterways is quite slow, so you can easily paddle both upstream and downstream while fishing productive areas in both directions. Often, you’ll hook and fight big cats mere inches from your kayak, making for very exciting fishing. I use an Old Town Predator (above), which is ideal, but any safe, stable boat will do. I recommend fishing with a partner in a second kayak, both for safety and because you can find fish faster with two boats working the river together.