by Chris Tattersall

Created on: November 28, 2008

Kayaking and fishing is a great combination. Follow the advice below, keep safe and enjoy a fantastic activity which can be all things to all people: relaxing yet thrilling, energetic yet sedate. The following tips are not specific to any particular area or country, so the principles remain valid for all:

1. SAFETY FIRST.

Safety at sea is paramount. Many of the tips included in the following sections will also help in keeping you safe at sea, however the primary safety advice for fishing from a kayak is similar to that of any sea kayaking trip:

a) Wear a buoyancy aid / life jacket (not just have one aboard).

b) Tell someone your intended fishing spot.

c) Preferably go with someone else.

d) Wear the correct clothing: a breeze can cause the body temperature to reduce dramatically and put kayakers in danger of hypothermia, in the same vane, sunscreen and a hat will be essential on hot days as the time will drift by unnoticed.

e) Check the local weather report.

f) Flares or waterproof phone / radio is essential for contact in an emergency.

2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT KAYAK

Numerous kayaks are now on the market, some of which are specifically designed for fishing, such as those made by Perception (www.kayaker.com) or Wilderness (www.wildernesssystems.com). The fishing-specific kayaks however are by no means a necessity, as the primary benefit of these kayaks is the addition of rod holders, which can be an after-market addition to a standard kayak.

A sit-on-top kayak is the one to purchase (the majority of fishing kayaks are also sit-on-tops) for numerous reasons. First and foremost they are easy to re-board after a capsize, a real bonus when fishing alone. In addition, there is a huge amount of storage on the deck especially when additional straps are used. A basic sit-on-top such as the Perception Lanakai or one of the Wilderness Tarpon series of kayaks is an ideal base as a fishing kayak.

The use of leg straps is essential with a sit-on-top kayak and give the kayaker a good amount of control in rough conditions (or on encountering the wake of passing boats).

These leg straps can often be negotiated into the price of a new kayak.

3. TARGET THE FISH

Catching fish from a kayak is a real thrill, however catching a 100lb Marlin will probably be a thrill too far. Knowledge of the local fishing is essential, so ask. Local tackle shops are the best option for this and are usually more than willing to give advice. Start with small lures or pieces of bait, and as you get more confident increase

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