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Andy Allan

How to Kayak Fish For Bass?

Kayak fishing has become quite popular in recent years, and for good reason. Kayaks are far less costly than traditional gas stoves, and they provide anglers access to some of the most remote and under-fished waters. They may also be customized with almost every function a dedicated bassist might want.


This popularity has led in a slew of articles on how to set up the perfect fishing kayak, which fishing kayaks to buy, and which extras will or won't help you load the boat when you're out on the lake doing actual kayak fishing.



An in-depth explanation of the mechanics of fishing from a kayak, on the other hand, has been conspicuously lacking, since the bottom line is that it is not the same as fishing from a boat. You're closer to the water, less stable, sitting, and subject to the wind and current, all of which need a somewhat different approach than angling from a boat.


We put up the following kayak fishing instructional to assist with some of these challenges, which covers everything from boat control to casting and reeling mechanics.


1. Le Cast By one hand


Anglers who are used to fishing from the beach or the safe front deck of a boat may find the shift the most challenging. Even the most stable kayaks have very little room between the seat and the water, making the typical two-handed windup throw a dangerous proposition.


It's critical to be prepared since most competent kayak fishers throw one-handed utilizing baitcasting or spinning equipment. Try fishing with lighter combos and finesse approaches instead of a heavy flipping stick with a 1 ounce jig.


2. Learn how to use a one-handed paddle.


Kayak angling, like one-handed casting, requires mastery of one-handed paddle control. Even the most unskilled anglers can paddle a kayak with two hands because the rhythm comes effortlessly to them.



But what if you're fighting a fish with one hand while maneuvering your boat upstream to avoid a snag or an overhanging branch with the other? To make your paddle more resemble a canoe paddle, practice squeezing the shaft against a forearm.


3. Put Your Feet To Work


Skilled kayak fisherman typically use their feet in some way while fishing, which may appear unusual. If your boat is small enough, you can use them as rudders to guide your drift on rivers, and they also work well as anchors when fishing rip rap, laydowns, and other shallow areas - just stick a foot out and hold on to the log until you've finished fishing the hole.


Use your feet to re-direct the boat away from a stump, log, or other object while your hands are engaged fighting a fish.


4. To Cast and Steer


Resistant baits such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and chatterbaits may all be utilized to help steer the boat. When casting a crankbait from a lightweight kayak, you'll notice that just reeling in the bait moves your boat in the direction you're casting. Make throws in certain directions to slightly alter the location of your boat, and then utilize this to your advantage.


5. Make Use Of Eddies When Kayak Fishing


You may believe that fishing from a kayak is difficult, but that is not the case if you know how to make it work for you. Most kayaks are tiny and light enough to sit completely in an eddy, keeping the boat from flowing downstream and allowing you to fish the accompanying current seam. Paddle past the location you want to fish, then duck into the eddy behind it and keep fishing until you're happy.



6. Anchoring Isn't Something To Be Afraid Of


Despite their inconvenient nature, anchors have a place in the kayak fishing arsenal. This is especially true on windy lakes or offshore locations where you wish to remain still.


A 2-4 pound claw anchor will work for most kayak designs. When anchoring in a current, however, if anything goes wrong, the river may quickly engulf the whole boat. If they anchor at all, most river kayakers employ a rapid release clevis on their anchors.


7. Hold on to the Sand


When it's windy or you're paddling upstream, it takes a lot of work to make any progress, much alone catch fish. In these scenarios, take use of your kayak's little draft. Instead of paddling straight down the center of the river or lake, go as close to the shore as possible.


You'll paddle more successfully and have more energy till you reach to your honey hole since the current is substantially less in super narrow water, and wind and waves are further softened by coastal plants and structures. You'll paddle more successfully and have more energy when you get to your honey hole.

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