Category Archives: Fishing Tips

Five Newbie Tips for a Kayak Bass Tournament

Fishing a kayak bass tournament is exciting, challenging, frustrating, and rewarding all at once. I’m also convinced there’s not a better way to get better at fishing than to enter kayak bass tournaments because of the time on the water and focus it generates. For some, the point is to win, and for others it’s just to have fun and fill some competitive spirit. Either way there are some basic tips that can make the most of your experience.

Step Out and Get Signed Up!

The first step to anything is to commit. I remember my first kayak bass tournament and it was a cold day in December and I only caught one fish. But it was a BLAST and I was hooked from there. You won’t know if you have fun until you try it. Kayak tournaments and anglers are much more accepting than the boat circuits. Low to no pressure, only about you and personal goals to get better. The first NSKA NWA event in March 9, you can sign up here on Tourney X, or try a different upcoming tournament.

Set Personal Goals

Every angler at all levels of skill and experience has personal goals they are trying to achieve. New kayak bass tournament anglers can set whatever goal based on their situation. First goal might be to just enter a tournament, or to successfully submit a bass. For others it could be to catch a limit, or finish in the money. The key is to identify where you are in the process and set goals that are a challenge but that you can strive to meet. As time goes on you can keep raising the bar. Many kayak fishing club members started very slowly (like myself) and have turned into seasoned competitors over time.



Meet Other Anglers

If you’ve ever fished in the bass boat tournament world, one thing is clear – nobody helps you or talks about anything that happened on the water. The kayak bass fishing community is different. Anglers share tips and ideas, will help you with information about a lake, and after an event will be more open about what worked for them. Participating on the Natural State Kayak Anglers Facebook page, or talking with other anglers at the post-tournament weigh-ins is a way to make some great friends but also to accelerate your skill set growth. There is not one great angler in the club that hasn’t learned something from another angler. Many of my friends I’ve met through fishing, so get out there and get social.

Get the Basic Gear

For a kayak fishing tournament there are only a few things you absolutely need to compete. (beyond a kayak!)

  • For safety purposes, you have to have a personal flotation device (PFD), safety whistle, and a light visible from a 360 perspective if it is still dark in the morning – either on a pole, or a headlamp. Complete rules including safety are found here.
  • To submit your catches you would use the TourneyX app on your smartphone, and would need a Ketch measuring board to measure your fish.
  • Dress for the day, either with warmer clothing or when it is hot have skin protection and plenty of water.
  • Don’t forget a fishing license!

Practice Catch-Photo-Release

The unique aspect of kayak bass fishing tournaments is that we don’t hold on to the bass. After you catch it, you should then take a photo of it and submit into the app to record your catch. There are specific rules for this, including keeping the mouth closed, don’t cover the eye or the tail, make sure your identifier is in view, and more. A video from Kyle Long helps with more details. Most importantly, PRACTICE managing your fish on the measuring board and taking photos before you have a tournament. Seven Sins of Catch Photo Release Submissions covers the basics, but note it shows a non-Ketch board in the examples. Every time you catch a bass, measure and take a photo. You’ll lose one in a tournament, happens to everyone, but practice makes a huge difference.

Bonus Tip – Watch Game Film

Like I said above, kayak bass anglers love to share and help others. There are several in Natural State Kayak anglers that share their tournament experiences in video form. You can learn A LOT from watching these videos that will help you know what a tournament is like, and what to do and sometimes not do! For some great YouTube tournament videos, check out KayakFishingFocus, Josh Landreth Fishing, Kyle Long Fishing, or TZ Kayak Fishing. There are more, but these are some of the most consistent in sharing tourney videos.

Cicada Fishing Bonanza in 2024

Every few years, nature treats us to a phenomenon that leaves anglers buzzing with anticipation for cicada fishing action – the periodical cicada emergence. In 2024, the cicadas are set to make their grand entrance, and bass fishing enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to capitalize on this natural event. In this article, we’ll explore the impact of the periodical cicada emergence on bass fishing and share some tips to make the most of this extraordinary fishing season.

Cicada fishing

The timing of the cicada hatch in 2024 varied depending on the specific brood and geographic location. Different broods of cicadas have different emergence cycles, with some emerging every 13 or 17 years. Each brood has its own distinct emergence pattern, with some appearing in spring and others in summer. The first brood of cicadas in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri area begins in April to May and will run throughout the summer.

Cicada Fishing Information

  • The Cicada Spectacle: Periodical cicadas, known for their synchronized emergence in large numbers, create a spectacle that’s hard to ignore. These insects spend years underground feeding on tree roots before emerging en masse for a few weeks to mate. As they emerge, they provide a protein-rich feast for fish, including bass.
  • Timing is Everything: To make the most of the cicada emergence, timing is crucial. Keep a close eye on local reports and entomological predictions to pinpoint when the cicadas will start appearing in your area. Typically, this event occurs during the warmer months, usually in late spring or early summer, when water temperatures are ideal for bass activity.
  • Topwater Extravaganza: One of the most exciting aspects of the cicada emergence and cicada fishing is the opportunity for explosive topwater action. Bass are known to aggressively strike at these large insects as they clumsily make their way to the water’s surface. Equip yourself with topwater lures such as buzzbaits, poppers, and prop baits to mimic the movement and sound of the cicadas. This surface action can lead to heart-pounding strikes that make for unforgettable fishing experiences.
  • Natural Color Imitations: Cicadas are known for their distinctive black bodies, transparent wings, and orange-veined accents. When selecting lures, choose those that closely resemble the appearance of cicadas. Black or dark-colored soft plastics, topwater lures, and even crankbaits can effectively mimic these insects, increasing your chances of enticing bass in the midst of the cicada emergence.
  • Focus on Shaded Areas: Cicadas often seek shade when they emerge, and bass are quick to follow. Target shaded areas such as overhanging trees, docks, and vegetation where cicadas are likely to congregate. Casting your lures near these areas can yield impressive results as bass lurk in the shadows, waiting for an easy cicada meal.
  • Be Patient and Observant: While the cicada emergence can create a cicada fishing feeding frenzy, bass can also become selective. Be patient and observe the water for signs of bass activity. Look for subtle ripples, splashes, or any disturbances on the surface that may indicate bass are actively feeding on cicadas. Adjust your techniques based on what you observe to maximize your chances of success.
Bumble Bee
Rebel Lures Bumble Bug on Lurenet.com

Almost Cicada Fishing time!

The 2024 periodical cicada emergence is not just a natural wonder; it’s also an exciting opportunity for cicada fishing for bass fishermen. By understanding the timing of the emergence, using topwater lures that mimic cicadas, and targeting shaded areas where bass are likely to gather, you can elevate your bass fishing experience during this unique event. So, gear up, stay informed, and get ready to witness and capitalize on the buzzworthy bass fishing season that the cicada emergence brings.


Article: February Bass Fishing

February Bass Fishing

As winter holds its grip, many anglers might be tempted to stow away their gear, but February offers a unique opportunity for bass fishing in a unique time of year. In this article, I’ll tell you why February can be an excellent time for bass fishing, along with some essential tips to make the most out of your winter boat or kayak fishing adventures.

Winter bass fishing

Why Bass Fishing in February?

Contrary to popular belief, bass fishing in February can be surprisingly rewarding. As the water temperatures drop, bass tend to gather in specific areas, making them more predictable and targetable. Understanding the seasonal patterns and adjusting your approach can lead to some big catches during the colder months.

  1. Slow and Steady Wins the Race:
    • In colder waters, bass metabolism slows down, making them less active. Opt for a slow presentation with your lures or bait to entice lethargic bass. Working the bait methodically to match the lethargy of the bass is what you want to do.
  2. Targeting Deep Structures:
    • Focus on deeper structures such as points, ledges, and drop-offs where bass gather to find more stable water temperatures. Use fish finders to locate these structures, and target them strategically for increased success. Shad can also stack up in areas near drops, and that will attract the bass.
  3. Special lures come into play:
    • In colder water fishing, there are some lures that excel during this period better than almost any time of year. Some of my favorites include a jigging spoon, Alabama rig, or a blade bait.
  4. Weather Monitoring:
    • Keep an eye on weather patterns as bass activity can be influenced by temperature changes. Warmer days, even if rare, can trigger increased bass activity, with some even moving shallow. Plan your fishing trips around milder weather conditions for optimal results.
  5. Patience and Persistence:
    • February fishing requires patience. Bass may not be as aggressive, so persistence is key. Work your chosen area thoroughly and be prepared to wait for that subtle strike.


Get out and do some winter bass fishing!

Don’t let the winter blues keep you indoors. Winter bass fishing presents a unique challenge and an opportunity to experience the thrill of landing some impressive catches. Armed with the right knowledge and tactics, you can turn the colder months into a rewarding time on the water. Embrace the winter wonders of bass fishing this February, and you might just reel in a memorable catch.

Fishing and Basketball

With this winter being particularly cold and unfriendly to my fishing schedule, I have gone to the basketball gym a few times to get some exercise. Recently, while watching a group of five on five go at it in a pickup game, I recognized some parallels between bass fishing and basketball.

For some context, at this gym it was mostly older guys whose athleticism, speed, and explosiveness are long gone. But for the most part they can play. Like bass fishing, the game of basketball has nuances that can separate the average angler (player) from a really good angler (player) in tournament competition.

40 Years on the Court, and It's Not Even Halftime - The New York Times

Level of Play

Anyone who has played many pickup games with older, out of shape, and slower players knows one thing. These guys can shoot! Almost everyone can fill it up in a rec game, and the older you are and still playing, the more likely that you light it up from three. In fishing, experience counts. More time on the water and time spent fishing makes you more productive and have a higher success rate. In tournament fishing, these guys can shoot, so you really need to hone your skills.

Know Your Intensity

Are you bass fishing for fun? For competition? For both? Especially in tournaments, identify your goals and tailor your approach accordingly. In pickup basketball, you can kind of tell where everyone is at. There are the guys who defend like it is the NBA Finals. There are also the two guys who seem to have a tacit agreement they won’t defend each other hardly at all – and they usually pair up on D. Mr. Stand in the Corner and shoot it but don’t move otherwise guy knows his game and isn’t going to strain too much. Set your own pace, get out and enjoy the day and have fun. Or, be that guy who never stops running and make 1,000 casts a day and cover water like a madman. (looking at you, Dwain)



Fundamentals

These old guys didn’t become three-point snipers or pinpoint passers without any practice. There are fundamentals in any sport, and fishing is no different. Learning different casts and making them with accuracy can really help. How about understanding the weather and how it will affect the fish that day? Do you know how to really work all of the baits you use to present them properly? Sometimes if a tourney is coming up where I think a technique is going to be a big player, pre-fishing is more about shaking off the rust on that technique than it is anything else. What fundamentals do you need to improve on for tournament competition?

NBA guard Paul George and Jacob Wheeler show their catch in a bass tournament. Source: USAToday

Know How You Can Score

The main objective in pickup basketball is to score, put the ball in the hoop. Same thing for fishing, get hooked up on a bass. What’s your go-to move to score? For some it is rebounding and stick-backs, others is long range camping out and shooting threes, for Mr. Energy guy it is just running around after loose balls. How can you score when things are tough in bass fishing? When times are tough, go to what you are confident you can do. Shakey-head, drop shot, Ned rig, etc. If you are spun out on the water, narrow your game to a confidence bait and get on the scoreboard.

Get In the Game

I’m not sure if there are serious parallels between pickup basketball and bass fishing – or it’s just been a long winter off the water. Either way, it’s time to get ready for the season, shake off the rust, and find your game for Spring!

Seven Sins of Catch Photo Release (CPR) Submissions

A unique part of tournament kayak fishing is the use of Catch Photo Release (CPR) to measure fish and submit them for judging. This is often one of the areas where even experienced bass anglers struggle when converting to competitive kayak fishing. Most tournaments use a service like TourneyX or iAngler Tournament to collect the photos and to display the results.

Having just spent two concurrent weekends judging tournaments and approving more than 550 total fish, it is clear that most anglers have Catch Photo Release (CPR) down – and that many do not. In my first tournament a few years ago I finished third instead of second due to three deductions. These are hard lessons learned and everyone has been there.

In this article we’re going to take a look at the Seven Sins of Catch Photo Release (CPR) that are the most common mistakes by anglers. These are real examples of tournament submissions, including a couple of my own from the past.

Seven Sins of Catch Photo Release (CPR) Submissions

 

1. Covering the eye of the fish is a sure way to get the fish disqualified. A visible eye is important so the judge can tell that the fish is alive and well.

2. Every tournament has an identifier that must be fully visible in the submitted photo. In this example, the angler was in two different tournaments and had two identifiers on his card. One was in view but the other was cut off and this 19.25″ was disqualified. If this fish had counted he would have finished in the money for the tournament.

3. It never had occurred to me someone would make this mistake, but it happens more than you would think for new tournament anglers. The measuring board bump should be to the left, with the fish facing left, not facing to the right like shown here.  This angler is also almost covering the eye which was mentioned above.

4. One of the most common issues you see is where either the nose of the fish is cut off where you can’t see it touching the bump board. It can also happen, although more rarely, where the end of the tail is not visible to see where it measures to. Either way, it’s going to cost the angler length off of the fish.

 

5. Blurry photos like this make it difficult for the Tournament Director to see the lines on the board or to read the identifier. Note that this fish is facing left, but is properly oriented on the board, the photo is upside down.

6. Fish is upside down on the measuring board. Like the example of fish facing the wrong way, this one rarely happens twice for an angler once they get a DQ. Fish should be upright and facing left toward the bump board.

7. The most common problem with Catch Photo Release (CPR) submissions is the mouth not being closed. KBF rules state that the mouth cannot be more than 1/4″ open which I believe is too generous. Many other trails require it to be closed with no allowance for a gap. In some cases the fish’s mouth is shaped in a way where it could look open a bit, but the jaw is clearly closed and locked. Judges have to look at this closely and make their best evaluation.

Some Additional Photo Catch Release (CPR) Problems

Glare from the sun can lead to a disqualification if it makes the identifier or the board unreadable. Identifiers in plastic sleeves like Tourney Tag can have this problem, but the Ketch Board can also have this issue as well if the angle is just right. These are bad situations because the angler may do everything right but loses out because of glare.

The tail must be flat on the board to provide an accurate measurement. Most of the time the tail is slightly off the board and you can see a shadow. In this example the tail is significantly off the board to the point it is very obvious. To his credit, the angler only entered the tail up length instead of the full length…but still was denied. 🙂

Best Protection from the Seven Sins of Catch Photo Release (CPR) Submission Errors

The best protection is simply to practice taking your pics, but more importantly take multiple photos and if there is any question, check them before releasing your fish.

Don’t come crying to the judge when you’ve made a Catch Photo Release (CPR) mistake, it’s all a part of the game.

 

5 Tips for Pre-Season Tourney Prep

Baby it’s cold outside and for some of us we still hit the water and chase our favorite species in the cold weather, for others, it’s time to stay warm and indoors. Either way, it is the best time to be focused on pre-season tourney prep to be ready for a successful season.

5 Tips for Pre-Season Tourney Prep
  1. Make a calendar of events. Because I fish multiple tournament trails or special events, I will put together a calendar marking each tournament date, and any required travel or pre-fishing dates. This helps with planning and making priorities around tournament season. It’s also time to start some map study and get familiar with the water you’ll be fishing.
  2. Change out baits. It’s time to work through what baits you carried

    Pre-season tourney prep is the time to really get your tackle lined out for the first quarter or half of the season in advance.
    Pre-season tourney prep is the time to really get your tackle lined out for the first quarter or half of the season in advance.

    last season that you never used. Go through what you have and organize and restock with what’s critical. If you can organize your terminal tackle correctly, you may not need to think about it again all year. I think about what I have in the 1st quarter of the year and focus on getting those baits organized first.

  3. Work on your yak. Are you happy with the setup? Do you need something new? Or just some new rigging? Now is the time to think about adding what will help you on the water, including lights, storage, tools, etc. This year I re-did my lights, changing over to YakLights, a local company.
  4. Work on your electronics. Make sure you have the most updated software and have a backup copy of your waypoints. If you have the ability to access your waypoints from an iPad or computer, you may want to put in more descriptive names. Finally, bone up on reading electronics by spending some time on youtube.
  5. Brush up on any new techniques. If you are wanting to practice

    Working on new techniques in the winter can help you with early schedule tourney prep.
    Working on new techniques in the winter can help you with early schedule tourney prep.

    or get better at a new fishing technique, either do a lot of research to learn more about it, or if it is a cold water technique, actually get out and try it. This year I’m very focused on jerkbaits and jigs, so I’ll be working on those things leading up to the first tourney.

There you have it, just some ideas on how to tournament prep for a new season. Add a comment if you have an idea or suggestion for how to prepare that you want to share.

 

Picking the Right Fishing Sunglasses to Save Your Eyes On the Water

Popticals Popgun fishing sunglasses on the water. – kayakfishingfocus.com

Today is National Sunglasses Day and the date not only recognizes the important of looking good in a stylish set of frames, but also of the attention needed to protecting one of the most important assets to a sportsman – the eyes. For a safe and enjoyable summer outdoors, what do you need to look for in a pair of fishing sunglasses?

Not all eyewear is created equal when protecting your eyes from the harsh UV rays from the sun. For kayak fishermen and boat fishermen alike, there are some key consideration in choosing the right pair of fishing sunglasses for a day on the water.

Adequate UV Protection

Spending a lot of time on the lake not only means the sun hitting your eyes from above, but also reflecting off the water all day long. Your fishing sunglasses need to have appropriate UV protection. According to the American Optometric Association, any fishing sunglasses you are considering need to have these factors:

  • Lenses that block out 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays
  • Should screen out at least 75% of light
  • Frames should fit closely to your eyes and the shape of your face
  • Lenses should have a uniform tint, not darker in one area from another.
  • The AOA suggests a gray tint, which is particularly helpful in color recognition.

If eyes go unprotected or are exposed to periods of time without proper UV protection, it can create an effect called photokeratitis, which is also known as the sunburn of the eye. This can cause red eyes, excessive tearing, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Long-term exposure without UV protection can lead to more serious conditions including cataracts, macular degeneration, and cancer in the eye and around the eyelids.  Protect yourself with the right pair of fishing sunglasses!

Fishing Sunglasses Tech

Popticals fishing sunglasses made a difference on the clear water of Beaver Lake – kayakfishingfocus.com

For fishing sunglasses you are not only looking for UV protection but also performance. I’ve written about Popticals sunglasses previously, and how they easily fold into a compact case for easy storage when not in use. Popticals fishing sunglasses are equipped with Ri-Pel anti-smudge technology which completely repel water, oil and dust. This keeps substances such as dust, sweat, sunscreen and other oils from getting in the way and obscuring your vision. Their polarized lenses are phenomenal in seeing down into the water, reducing glare from the surface. Recently I was fishing down by the dam on Beaver Lake in clear water and it was amazing how much of a difference the lenses on my Popticals Popgear shades made. Really helped me spot the bottom structure, including a deep pool from which I lured a 17” largemouth bass with my clear Heddon spook. Wearing the right fishing sunglasses can not only help protect your eyes, but can also improve your performance on the water.

$40 Popticals Discount

As an advocate for eye safety and UV protection, I would encourage you to make sure you have a terrific pair of fishing sunglasses protecting you. Choose any brand that works best for you that meets the safety requirements listed above. If you have an interest in Popticals, contact me using the Contact link and I can give you a discount code to save $40 off of a pair. I suggest checking out the models specifically for fishing sunglasses, but they have all types of sunglasses available.

Winter Trout Fishing Tips

Arkansas kayak angler Jason Cossey shares his tips for winter trout fishing in this guest article for Kayak Fishing Focus.

People ask me what I do when I take a break from kayak fishing in the winter time. Sometimes it is deer hunting, but other times I like to fish for trout simply because it’s a sit on the bank and hang out with friends and family kind of fishing and I do not have to worry about a boat or a lot of tackle. Here’s how I like to approach winter trout fishing and have the greatest success!

To find trout in Arkansas, there are rivers below the dams, such as the White River below Beaver Dam which is my favorite place to go. Another place to do winter trout fishing is in the various small lakes that are stocked in the winter months. Check your local game and fish website for trout stocking information.

Winter trout fishing with floating egg baits can be an easy way to make a catch.
Winter trout fishing with floating egg baits can be an easy way to make a catch.

Bait and Tackle Setup for Winter Trout Fishing

1. Starting with rod and reel selection, I like a medium-medium light spinning rod with 6# monofilament for a main line. I use my favorite drop shot rod because I like to keep in practice feeling bites, it helps me get ready for the spring drop shot and finesse fishing.

2. Leader line is very important, I use 2# clear monofilament if the water has a little color you can get away with 4# but 2# always gets more bites.

3. Sinker selection, now is the time to use up some of those 1/4oz bullet and egg sinkers that have been rattling around. I also use a #10 or #12 swivel to attach this leader to my main line.

4. Hook selection is simple any #10 or #12 light wire hook. I like a wide gap hook it seems to get me better hookups.

5. Now bait…I am a fan of Berkeley power eggs because they come in their
own jar and unlike dough type baits they don’t get under your fingernails and smell up your fingers all day! Color is just about trying different options until you find a combination that works. I use two eggs of different colors most time like chartreuse and white or orange and bubblegum.

Now you have all of that stuff lined out it’s time to decide on leader length. Trout rarely feed on the bottom this is the reason 90% of all trout bait floats. I always start long on my leader and cut it according to how deep the water is and how deep they are feeding. I find that holes in a river right after a shoal is a good place to start looking for trout to congregate. When you find a school just stay on them for fast and consistent action.

Other Winter Trout Fishing Strategies

So you aren’t really keen on soaking power eggs there are other ways to catch trout, there are an assortment of lures that are old fish catchers. I always carry small rooster tails, they are one of the best ways to catch trout. Small jerkbaits and crank baits are also another way to catch em you just have to figure out how aggressive and what kind of mood they are in! I also keep on hand small marabou jigs, these tiny jigs tipped with a wax worm under a clear float can be deadly on pressured rainbows and can help you fill your limit with nice sized trout.

I hope these tips will help you with those winter time fishing blues, trout can be a fun way to spend the day with your loved ones. Great for kids and an awesome way to pass the time when it’s too cold or you just don’t feel like getting out the boat but need to feel the pull of something on your line.

– Jason Cossey

Fall Bass Fishing Tackle

Fishing in the fall is one of my favorite times of the year. Bass are getting ready for winter and are feeding up and they can’t resist chasing bait. This makes for some fast-moving, hard-fighting, fall bass fishing action. One of the other reasons I really enjoy fall bass fishing is that the tackle selection gets really narrow – it is easy to tell what works to catch them.

Fall bass fishing out of a kayak can be one of the best times of the year to fish. Photo – www.kayakfishingfocus.com

Fall Bass Fishing Kayak Setup

Being a kayak angler means you have limited space in your boat, so it is important to understand what you will need for a day of one on one combat with some fired up fall bass. For me, this means that the spinning rods go in the garage and all the power fishing gear is in the boat.  I use almost exclusively Dobyns Fury series rods and this time of year is where the ones designed for spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and crankbaits are featured. Fall bass fishing also calls for an upgrade in line strength, so I’ll put a little heavier P-Line Floroclear on my reels for most cases and will make sure I have 50# PowerPro braid on my spinnerbait and buzzbait reels.

Fall Bass Fishing Lures

Fall bass fishing is all about covering water – unfortunately as a kayak angler you have less ability to do so than a boater. This means you have to really focus on some baits which help you move quickly. the three key types of lures I’m going to throw to chase fall bass are:

Crankbaits – Use shad patterned squarebill crankbaits to bump along natural cover and docks where bass wait to ambush shad. I’m not sure you can reel the bait too fast this time of year, but experiment with your retrieve. Key bait: Booyah Flex II

The Booyah Vibra-Flx spinnerbait is a great fall bass fishing lure.
The Booyah Vibra-Flx spinnerbait is a great fall bass fishing lure.

Spinnerbaits – All year long I probably don’t throw a spinnerbait often enough, but when it comes to fall bass fishing, this is a key tool to catch fish. A spinnerbait works so well because it can mimic baitfish easily and its movement, flash and vibration can trigger a strike from aggressive bass. Key bait: Booyah Vibra-Flx Spinnerbait

Buzzbaits – Throwing a buzzbait can be a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. The right rod and line make a big difference in the ability to be successful with this kind of bait. I use a Dobyns Fury 734C when fall bass fishing a buzzbait. Key bait: Booyah Buzz

Go Get’em

Fall bass fishing out of a kayak is a great time to put some fish in the yak. Many anglers have moved on to hunting, the fish are hungry and the bites are big. Get out and make the most of fall bass fishing soon!

 

Basic Kayak Fishing Checklist

It seems like a week doesn’t go by without encountering someone new to the sport of kayak fishing. Most have done some sort of fishing before and are now moving into the kayak fishing realm, but many are starting from scratch and want to know where to begin. A great place to start is with a basic kayak fishing checklist and then to build from there.

A basic kayak fishing checklist can help get you jump-started and on the water for a good day of fishing.
A basic kayak fishing checklist can help get you jump-started and on the water for a good day of fishing. Photo: kayakfishingfocus.com

My friends at Bending Branches and I worked up a basic kayak fishing checklist to help jumpstart the new kayak angler.

Here is a summary of the “list” itself. The full checklist and more details are available on the Bending Branches blog, go check it out.

Basic Kayak Fishing Checklist:
  1. Stable Kayak
  2. Quality Paddle
  3. Safety Gear
  4. Tackle Crate
  5. Fishing Tackle
  6. Anchor
  7. Camera

There are many other things advanced kayak anglers use, but the list above is all you need to get the most out of a fun day on the water.

My first day kayak fishing included a cooler with some water, one fishing rod, a few lures, and a rented kayak and paddle. As I spent more time fishing and going on kayak fishing trips with others, the checklist above seems to be among the most common needs for a weekend kayak angler. Every kayak fisherman sets up their kayak and has their own checklist, so I would expect that you would do the same as you adjust to your goals, fishing destination and style of fishing.

Take a moment to read the full article on the Bending Branches website and get ready to hit the water!