Kayak fishing is one of the most satisfying hobbies around the world as it is a form of connection with the sea and marine environment. Whether fishing from shore or a boat, all modes must follow a series of safety guidelines.
Here we compile ten essential kayak fishing tips & recommendations for newbies who fish in the sea with kayak, a very widespread activity that gains followers every day.
Water activities have thousands of followers, but we must not forget about security. Learn from experts how to kayak safely when you are fishing with it.
Essential Kayak Fishing Tips
Without sweating, fishing in an Inflatable fishing Kayak is an exciting, fun, but above all, challenging activity and more and more fans are venturing to paddle and fish in open waters. So if you are one of them we invite you to keep reading because in this article we will share ten essential kayak fishing tips to make this practice completely safe and pleasant.
Use bold colors
This may seem simple, but the truth is that it is an aspect that should not be underestimated. In fact, using the appropriate colors to fish in a kayak can save your life.
That’s right, the color of the kayak, the lifebuoy, the neoprene suit, and even the rowing, play a fundamental role in your safety at sea. The most visible colors in the sea are yellowish, reddish or orange and even more if they are fluorescent.
Safety reflective tapes can also be very useful, which you can find in any boat, but in general it is recommended to use bright colors that facilitate the proper visibility of the paddler by other fishermen or paddlers, as well as by larger boats, especially when fishing is performed in port areas or high maritime traffic.
Red and yellow are the colors most used today because they are the best contrast with sea water. That is why the market is flooded with equipment and clothing with these tones, or in other words, its use is not a mere coincidence.
Less bright or dull colors such as gray, blue, green, black, or white are less visible, and this causes them to mimic in the distance because they are often confused with the surf foam of the sea, thus increasing the possibility that they cannot be sighted easily and this is undoubtedly very dangerous.
Make sure you know how to navigate
Knowing how to identify the variables that influence the navigation process is highly relevant when fishing in a kayak, but the fun or excitement about what will come cannot tarnish the safety of the paddler, his companions or other navigators.
That is why fisherman should know where the current is going or where it is derived, or what is the direction of the waves and the wind since these tactical and environmental factors are useful to take advantage of its natural drive.
It is not appropriate or safe to sail when there are winds higher than 14 knots (25 kilometers per hour approximately), or in case that waves are forming more than 1 meter tall.
An intelligent tactic is to put the greatest pushing force in the stern of the kayak, whether it comes from the waves, wind, or water current so that the paddling is not so forced and strenuous, but above all, so that the displacement is achieved at a higher speed.
In simpler words, the idea is to take advantage of what nature offers instead of opposing its force vectors.
Report your departure and destination
It never hurts to tell others about your idea of going fishing in a kayak. This will allow them to locate you more easily in the event of an unforeseen event, so it is good to leave a notice about the destination to which you are heading and also about the expected time of return. And also, to enjoy nice marine fishing, you can always see the article on waterproof speakers.
Know the distress and warning signals
Another important point to consider is the beep. Yes, this transcends the simple connotation of using a whistle because, in fact, this small device can make the difference between good and evil when you are at sea.
A distress signal from a small boat such as a kayak consists of giving three strong and short whistles, although it is also valid to take the paddle with both hands and raise one of its paddles in flag signal. You must make sure that the rower adopts an upright position, perpendicular to the kayak, to then be able to make a fast rotating movement. You can also download and consult a navigation app that we highly recommend.
Those would be the emergency warnings of the rower, but the protocol changes when it comes to large ships. That’s right, and when they need to warn that the presence of the navigator threatens maritime security, they must emit five short beeps – or more – with the whistle of the ship.
Use the appropriate equipment
In kayak fishing, every detail counts; from the safety anchors, the life jacket to the complete anchoring package. This means that the appropriate equipment must be used to carry out this activity successfully, preserving your physical integrity and that of others, because it is advisable to carry it out accompanied, never alone.
Know when and where to anchor
As soon as you arrive at the chosen place to fish, you should check that it is the most appropriate to anchor. It is essential that the anchoring package is completely removed from the tensioners that hold it in the direction of the bow because if it is made towards the stern the kayak will be on the side of the wind or the waves and there is a risk of it turning over.
You should also measure the depth of the water and drop an anchor with a chain equivalent to about 3 or 4 times the probe of the place. Experts recommend adding a thick tensioner between the rope and the bow that comes from the anchor to act as a shock absorber.
Likewise, this will allow the kayak does not turn in case there are strong waves or sudden jerks that attempt against the stability of this small boat.
Know and respect the rules
Kayak fishing is an activity – in a certain way – regulated, starting from the fact that the kayaks are governed by the laws of navigation, brands, and lights and therefore every fisher, rower or navigator is forced to know and respect them when in the sea.
Avoid kayaking at night
The degree of visibility is considerably reduced when night falls, and, likely, you will not be sighted by other boats, especially if you do not have any metallic element that protrudes.
Even so, if you decide to venture into the darkness, do not forget to take an approved light, a waterproof flashlight, or a white light lamp with you, as this will allow you to notify others about your presence easily and quickly.
Stay connected
Do not go to the sea without a mobile device that will enable you to make a call if something goes wrong. He only takes the necessary precautions so that he does not suffer any damage, or so that it is less if an irregular situation were to arise.
For example, you can place it inside a plastic bag with a cork or rice, because both materials will absorb enough water if the phone were to fall into the water.
You should also bear in mind that the signal can be precarious. Given this is suggested to carry portable VHF that is nothing more than a marine radio that will keep you connected and connected.
Protect yourself
If fishing is during the day you should put on a high protection sunscreen, wear polarized sunglasses and a hat or cap of the upper spectrum. At the same time, if it is night time, it is ideal for wearing a breathable isothermal suit that keeps your body warm or prevents you from feeling cold despite the intense gusts of air.
Conclusion
Being aware of these tips and recommendations will make kayaking a safe, comfortable and enjoyable practice, so if you plan to go offshore with your lures soon, we invite you to take them into account because they are handy and practical.
Author Bio:
Name: James A. Rockey
Description: James is a professional kayaker, and fishing is his hobby. He has more than five years of fishing experience, and he loves using Kayaks while outing as well. Based on his experiences with the different type of Kayaks; he is sharing his opinion about kayak reviews and fishing so that a beginner can get started right away.