Planning a Kayak Fishing Trip

Kayak fishing is a sport unlike any other, and it definitely requires some attention to detail for your first fishing trip as well as future trips down the road.  Some common mistakes we see anglers make are the reluctance to stock necessities combined with miscalculating the elements they are about to expose themselves to.   We want to provide a guideline for kayakers of all shapes, sizes, and skillsets, so here are some of the ways we prepare for any trip that should help you out tremendously before you get out on the water.

First and foremost, check the weather but plan for changes to any forecast or prediction.  For example, just because a meteorologist yesterday evening told you it would be sunny and 75 degrees the next day does not mean you should completely ignore that beautiful, red sky bright and early the next morning.  Rain can come unannounced especially here in the South, so taking any rain gear, water-proof containers, dry bags, and bilge pump (for sit-in style kayaks) are vital on every trip you take.  On the other side of the coin, the sun is still out there to destroy your skin, eyes, and gear at all times.  Try and wear or pack long-sleeved clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and even coolers before you go out.  These items may seem minor, but we would argue that they need to be staples in your kayak on every trip.  What you put in your cooler is up to you, but cold water is essential to lowering your internal temperature as well as hydrating you.  Consider bringing a cooler along with you to keep your beverages cold throughout the day.

Secondly, try and check all of your fishing gear the day before your trip.  This may seem tedious, but we cannot stress how much time we save nowadays on our trips when we do this while focusing on the intricacies of our tackle.  Re-tie your lines with the proper lures and hooks for whatever species you are targeting to cut down on wasted time on the water.  This helps you get the most out of all of your casts, and it probably adds a solid hour or more to your fishing time on average.  You might think your fishing line is good to go, but the last couple of feet close to your lures get beat up the most.  No matter what kind of line you are using, run your fingers across it for any abrasions or weak points.  These are where fish break off, and it happens all of the time!  If you are thinking back to some of the big ones you might have lost in the past, then let this warning serve as a means to convince you that worn-out line can ruin your fishing.  Also, you may want to lay everything out nice and neatly for easy loading the next day, or you can just bite the bullet and load it all before the day of the trip, too.  You can thank us later!  Always check and double check that you have extra items such as more line, hooks, lures, and bait with you.  Also, having some extra rod and reel combos are not necessary, but they can seem extremely tactical when you get a nasty snag, bird’s nest, or your go-to setup breaks or malfunctions completely.

Probably the most important piece of advice that we can give anyone about to head out and kayak fish would be to try and stay positive no matter what happens before, during, or after you get out on the water.  The power of positivity when you are fishing is not a myth, it is not a hoax, and it is not anything to write off.  It is much easier said than done, but that does not mean that it is impossible.  Here are some helpful tips to have a relaxing, enjoyable time while experiencing the outdoors.  Start with plenty of sleep or a decent amount of sleep the night before your trip.  Sometimes we aim to get up extremely early on fishing days, but that might be impossible if you were up until midnight the night before.  You are going fishing, so remember to try and put on a happy face and relax before you head out.  Let your attitude be contagious, and all of your encounters that day will seem like a breeze.  If you have a playlist that puts you in a great mood, then play it.  If you have a meal that makes you the happiest person ever, then eat it.  If you are superstitious and have to do all of your routines and rituals before you go, then by all means get them done!  Once you are out there, try to take it easy and stay focused even if the bites are not coming at the rate you anticipated.  Take the time to admire your surroundings.  Remember that in these moments you are one with nature, and that is something to never take for granted.  It may seem tough or near impossible, but try to make a conscious effort to avoid the distractions that cause stress and anxiety.  These are precious moments that cannot be measured or valued, and the chance to unplug is such a blessing.  We get to enjoy and experience a hobby unlike anything else out there, and once you have that realization then nothing else should really bother you.  Lastly, remind yourself that fishing is one of the most peaceful yet exhilarating activities of all time.  It is our mission to be one of the best outlets for the adventurous, so always remember be safe, be smart, and have fun.

-The Yak Shak