Anyone fish with a kayak?

[daveswoodhauler]

Ok, so my oldest son and I are going camping on our annual trip, and I'm going to bring the kayaks up to the campground.

Thinking about getting a few rod holders for the kayaks, but not sure of which ones to buy, and or where would be the best place to mount them? I was thinking that I mount the rod holders in the center of the boat a bit ahead where one would normally paddle, but not sure if thats a good idea?

Also, anyone have any other tips for angling in a kayak? (fresh water fishing for small mounth, large mouth, pickerel, etc...)

Should I get a small type of anchor for the kayaks too?

 

[dswitham]

I can't help you with any info about rod holders as we don't use them when kayak fishing. I would highly recommend something for an anchor. It is very frustrating to get in just the right spot and then start drifting away. Also a net is very handy. We have two that have short handles, but the nets are big enough to handle bass and pickerel.

 

[yooperdave]

I have never been in a kayak, but I think that if I was fishing along a shorline (river or lake) with brush growing, I would rig up some type of spring clamp with a line that I could just clamp on to the brush to keep the kayak in place.
Does this sound like it may work??

 

[daveswoodhauler]

Good suggestions guys. I'm thinking that a small anchor on each kayak would be good...as I was thinking similar to keep onself in a tight spot, especially when the wind is blowing....most fishing will be along shore line, so the short handled net is also a good idea...didn't think of that one, probably cause I'm not the best at fishing and rarely have to use one, lol. Thanks.

 

[Dune]

This guy lives near me and catches BIG fish in his kayak;

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/23/sports/23fishing.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

 

[fishingpol]

Sheesh. I thought a 4 pound pickerel I caught in my brothers kayak was interesting enough. Never mind a blue or striper. This guy is in his own league.

 

[Adabiviak]

Have you heard of or used the Hobie Mirage drive kayaks? They use pedals (so you get your already-stronger-than-your-arm leg muscles to move you around), don't make a splash, no oars to handle, drip water across your legs or into the boat... Using an oar seems so primitive now. I rent these on occasion to tool around some of the local lakes and it's sooo nice to have your hands free for eating, fishing, checking the GPS, taking photos, or my favorite: folding them behind my head while I zip across the water easily and silently.

That said, I take it you already have a kayak? I've had extraordinary luck with poppers when fishing from a kayak/canoe/belly boat.

 

[Delta-T]

what kind of kayaks? if they are open boats, I might consider fashioning something that can clamp on in front of you, on the lip of the cockpit, and remove, if you do not plan to use them for fishing frequently.

 

[daveswoodhauler]

Wow Dune, that link is some serious stuff....can't even imagine catching a whopper like that.
Thanks for the info folks....ordered up 2 of these to hold the rods...and I like them in that I could move them around vs
drilling into my boat and then deciding I wanted to rod somewhere else.

http://www.austinkayak.com/products/5203/Cascade-Creek-YakCatcher-Rod-Holder.html

Also, been looking up some basic anchors and seems like I can get by with about 1.5-3lb dumbell and just some rope. (We'll be in some small lakes and relatively close to shore, so I guess I don't need too much)

Just gotta get a small net or something and we should be in good shape.

Again, thanks for the info/advice.

 

[Adkjake]

www.paddling.net
Good site for all things kayaking, forum on fishing from kayaks

 

[fossil]

A nylon mesh bag with a couple of rocks in it made for a really cheap but effective anchor when I fished from my kayak (or my canoe) on the South Fork of the Shenandoah in Virginia. Didn't take much. Depends on the strength of the river flow, though, obviously.

 

[daveswoodhauler]

A nylon mesh bag with a couple of rocks in it made for a really cheap but effective anchor when I fished from my kayak (or my canoe) on the South Fork of the Shenandoah in Virginia. Didn't take much. Depends on the strength of the river flow, though, obviously.

Great idea. No weight to carry in the car, and I can just grab a few rocks wherever we are fishing...I like this idea. Thanks Rick.