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Kayak Fishing Basics

Posted on 21. Aug, 2009 by Morgan in Kayak Fishing

Fishing from a Kayak offers a number of key advantages over fishing from a traditional motored fishing boat. Kayaks allow ease of access to the shore without scaring the fish away as you approach the shoreline. Since any boat will drift along with the current, a motorboat requires careful attention to ensure you do not get too close to the shoreline. This is oftentimes where fish will be hiding enjoying the shade cast by trees on the shore. Dropping an anchor will oftentimes scare the fish away and make it very apparent that you are in the area. A kayak, on the other hand, can approach the shoreline in silence giving you a big advantage and great access to prime fishing locations.

One of the other major benefits of kayak fishing is the cost when compared with fishing using a traditional motorboat. Kayaks are inexpensive and require almost no maintenance. A motorboat requires attaching the boat to your car using a trailer hitch along with the cost of fuel. Motorboats require regular maintenance to keep running and if you don’t have a place to store you boat at home then you are likely to pay a mooring fee at your local lake. Used kayaks are easy to find and you can easily get a roof rack for your car making it easy to take your kayak with you to the lake without having to attach a trailer to your car.

When picking a kayak for fishing one of the most important components is a good seat. Think about it, if you are out on a lake for eight hours a good seat can make a big difference. So what makes a good kayak fishing seat? First and foremost the seat should be comfortable so that you can sit on it for an extended period of time without injuring your back. This oftentimes means picking a seat with a back support that reaches to the correct height. If you find a seat with back-support, but the support is too short you could find yourself hurting your back after an extended period of time on the water. Make sure the seat has an adequate cushion as well so that don’t lose circulation in your legs. While comfort is paramount, storage is another essential element of a good kayak fishing seat. It is important to have easy access to frequently used fishing tools and having a storage compartment build-into your seat will make sure you always have quick access to your gear.

Buying a kayak seat may seem like an additional expense but this is money well spent. As with most things you buy, you can expect to pay more for quality – but over a few years your back and legs will thank you. One of the best kayak seat manufacturers is Surf to Summit and you can find a good selection of seats on their website. If you want to compare a few companies then another two good kayak seat manufacturers are Sea Air Sports and Crack of Dawn Paddlesports.

Kayak fishing is a great way to enjoy nature, get some good exercise, and enjoy the thrill and excitement of fishing. With a low cost to entry and some clear advantages over traditional motorboat fishing kayak fishing is a sport you can enjoy for years with friends and family. Please feel free to share your kayak fishing tips or resources by adding a comment to this article.

Tags: fishing, Kayak Fishing, kayaking