I bought a kayak and now I want to fish again

[SAWYER]

Kayak noob here, a guy at work bought one and loves it and he got me wanting to try one. I mainly want one for just getting on the water and occasion fishing. I went and bought a cheap on at Sam's to try it out and love it. I havent bought a fishing pole or been fishing in probably 15 years, what would be a good cheap one to get? I will mainly fish for bass, crappie, brim and catfish. Also, any tips for a new kayak owner? I plan on buying at least 2 more.

 

[Mayne]

First get used to the fact that you may go way far down river with the current and struggle to get your ass back...baby steps.

 

[lxskllr]

Ditch the fishing stuff, buy a whitewater boat, and tear up some rapids. Dunno where you live. That might not be feasible. Imo, an open canoe would be a better fishing platform.

I guess my real advice(though whitewater is best) would be to use what you have, note what you (dis)like about the current boat, and fix it with your next purchase.

 

[Iron Woode]

I would just get a regular small boat with an outboard engine and a pair of oars. That way you can actually take your fishing gear and safety gear in a safe manner. Not to mention some snacks and drinks (no alcohol).

I remember spending many an afternoon fishing like that.

 

[Paladin3]

Lots of folks fish from kayaks around here. Walmart usually has good prices on fishing gear, but they sell a lot of cheap crap too. You don't need to spend a ton on gear to have a ton of fun. Spincast reels and a lightweight or med light action rod will cover a lot of species of fish. I've got an Okuma Avenger 15A paired with a two-piece $20 Eagle Claw lightweight spin rod also from Walmart. That pole covers about 70% of my fishing with 6lb mono on it.

If you want a good baitcasting rod for a steal, the Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Combo is on sale right now for $45. It's a nice combo that normally sells for $69 that you can pair with heavier line for bass, pike, walleye, or any larger fish that fights more. Just remember baitcasting reels take some skill to cast reliably without backlash.

I've never really targeted catfish, but if they grow large where you are I'd try a heavier spinning rod and reel. A small net is also really nice from a kayak so you don't have a fish flopping around while you are still learning to keep the kayak stable.

And post photos of your catch and adventures in the ATOT fishing thread.

 

[SAWYER]

I dont want a boat or canoe, I am happy with a kayak. I can easily toss it in the back of my truck and no tags needed and it is stable. I got a sit on kind, this is it

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/weber-132-two-tone-angling-kayak/prod22201484.ip?xid=plp_product_1_25

It was 349 in store

 

[Kaido]

Ah dang. I've got a Hobie Mirage on my someday/maybe wishlist:

https://www.hobie.com/kayaks/mirage-pro-angler-14/

Pedal & paddle around, go fishing, that'd be a blast...

 

[SAWYER]

This was my first time on the river, my damn phone got wet and my rear camera lens watered up a bit but eventually dried out but my charger port stopped working

 

[lxskllr]

I don't know how adventurous you are, but that top drop could get dangerous, especially if the water's high, and it doesn't wash out. Not sure how much you know, but a falls like that recirculates water back to the falls. You can get trapped in your boat against the falls, or if you end up out of the boat, you get pushed under water, go downstream a bit, then get pulled back into the falls for another ride. Repeat until you drown, unless you escape. The more regular the drop, the stickier and more dangerous it is, with lowhead dams being some of the worst. They're especially deceptive because they look fairly peaceful and easy, with a low drop. They've killed many amateurs, and some experienced paddlers also.

 

[SAWYER]

Yeah I dont dare go over stuff like that, i either would go to the very smallest part or I would go to the bank or sandbar in the middle and get back in

 

[Ns1]

I don't know how adventurous you are, but that top drop could get dangerous, especially if the water's high, and it doesn't wash out. Not sure how much you know, but a falls like that recirculates water back to the falls. You can get trapped in your boat against the falls, or if you end up out of the boat, you get pushed under water, go downstream a bit, then get pulled back into the falls for another ride. Repeat until you drown, unless you escape. The more regular the drop, the stickier and more dangerous it is, with lowhead dams being some of the worst. They're especially deceptive because they look fairly peaceful and easy, with a low drop. They've killed many amateurs, and some experienced paddlers also.

that drop in pic 1 is deadly?? TIL

 

[lxskllr]

that drop in pic 1 is deadly?? TIL

Maybe, maybe not. Hard to tell from the pics. That rock in the foreground will help breakup the recirculation pattern, and it could spit you out. Also, more water=more power to certain point. The recirculation zone extends farther downstream, and will thrash you harder in the falls. After that point, it just washes out, and there isn't a falls there anymore.

edit:
just to clarify, I'd go over that drop no problem, as long as there's a decent non rocky line over, so you don't scrape, and just flop over the top sideways or something. Sawyer could too. You need to go over like you mean business. Paddle off the edge, and keep cranking as you hit the bottom. I posted more as a warning to take water seriously, and to learn before simply doing stuff. Some dangers are deceptive, and not readily apparent to novices.

 

[Chaotic42]

Define cheap; fishing stuff is a step down from audiophile gear.

If you just want to get started, I think this combo would work:

• Reel: Lews AH1SH - https://valleysportsmore.com/produc...merican-heroes-7-1-speed-spool-baitcast-reel/
• Rod: One of these $60 jobs from 13 Fishing depending on your needs - http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/13_Fishing_Defy_Black_Casting_Rods/descpage-DFY.html

I haven't used either, but those should work together. I have a couple of the higher end Lews reels (~$150) and I really enjoy them paired with some G. Loomis rods which are about $180 each. When you want to up your game and start buying gear targeting your exact fishing style, you can start going crazy. I recommend buying from Valley Sports and More (also known as Beat the Big Box Boys). The folks there are fantastic, though their website kind of sucks. They have some sort of redirect error right now which prevented me from easily searching their rods.

Kayak fishing is awesome and I'm about to join you later this year. I'm going boat fishing tomorrow and have to wake up in like 3 hours to start the drive Good luck!

 

[Jeeebus]

for fishing freshwater from a kayak, you can get away with just about any gear. I would still make sure you have stuff tied down in case the kayak flips on you though. You can probably find a kayak fishing guide online geared toward us saltwater fishermen, but much of the advice will still apply.

Good news is you don't have to worry too much about getting swamped from the initial beach waves or getting harassed by a 10 ft hammerhead (which discouraged me from saltwater kayak fishing).

 

[KB]

Ah dang. I've got a Hobie Mirage on my someday/maybe wishlist:

https://www.hobie.com/kayaks/mirage-pro-angler-14/

Pedal & paddle around, go fishing, that'd be a blast...

I have The sport model. Its worth every penny. Put a rod in the rod holder and trawl for rockfish for hours enjoying every minute.

 

[sdifox]

Sink the kayak, wait half an hour, pull it out of the water. Fish!

 

[bruceb]

Fishing can be fun, but in a kayak, be very careful. One really big fish and you might be swimming with them. They are inherently not very stable. And do not forget your life vest.

 

[SKORPI0]

https://www.paddlepursuits.com/freshwater-kayak-fishing/