Recently, we talked about the pros and cons of Rigging to the Max or Stripping it Down. Each choice presents its own challenge. Another challenge many anglers or recreational paddlers may encounter is feeling like the sport is a grind. Frustration can build when weather conditions stack against you or the summer wears on and the fish stop biting.
It is easy to forget what made you fall in love with the sport in the first place. Snaking into waters that are otherwise off-limits, being more connected to nature, the sights and sounds you don't get when you're boating and cherished moments with friends and family are just a few things we sometimes overlook when grinding out tournaments or chasing fish that just aren't there.
Paddling with friends and family, especially kids, is a great way to remind yourself of what makes kayaking and fishing fun. I'm guilty of getting hyper-focused and frustrated when things aren't going well only to realize I've missed out on all the small moments that led me to a kayak in the first place. As summer draws near its end, it is a good time to reflect on what makes kayak fishing special and remind ourselves to slow down and enjoy summers waning days.
Keeping Kayaking Fun: Remember to Enjoy the Small Wins
Getting to Places Boats Can't
"Just buy a boat!" If you own a kayak and you fish from it, you've been told this at least a dozen times. Sure, a boat has many advantages over a kayak. But, a boat doesn't have every advantage. A kayak can access places unobtainable by boat. Small creeks, rivers, backwaters and hidden bays. Add in national scenic river trails and you have a very obvious reason why fishing kayaks are more beneficial than a boat.
Not only do you have access to fishing holes that are far less stressed, but you reach destinations with less noise, less people and quite frankly, less everything. Tranquility is something you easily overlook when you're striking out fishing. Force yourself to take a moment and look around - it will never be time wasted.
The Best Accessories are the People You Take With
We've written countless blogs on the best kayak fishing accessories. Ultimately, we are a retailer and we want to help anglers and paddlers find the perfect kayak and accessories for how and where they are going to fish/paddle. However, stuff isn't the most important part of kayaking. The best kayak fishing accessory you take with you are the people you bring and the experiences you share.
Big catches, tournament wins and all of the random things that happen on a kayak are more special with you have someone with. For me, my kids remind me catching a fish is just a bonus, but collecting shells, lilly pads and cool sticks are the real wins. Throw in water gun fights, racing and hitting 'the gritty' and you have a recipe for what truly makes kayaking fun.
Tournaments are an entirely different beast. There is far more pressure, more at stake and more of an expense. Everything is more stressful and heightened. Still, when you ask tournament anglers about their experiences, most stories told involve friends and family. Winning a tournament is the goal, but most anglers talk about the moments and memories made with friends and family than the actual tournaments. A recent discussion with two Eco Fishing Shop Pro Staff members is a great example.
Keep Things Simple
There are times to load your kayak down with every accessory possible. Tournaments, camping trips and all-day intensely-focused fishing trips are those times. However, most day trips can be stripped down to essential gear like safety equipment, 1-2 rods and a small amount of tackle. Depending on the fish you are targeting, your electronics can often be left behind as well.
Decreasing your gear load leads to quicker launching/loading, less clutter in your kayak, less time spent messing with gear and if you are fishing with family, less distractions. How many of you are guilty of spending a huge amount of your time messing with your electronics or fumbling with gear and nets because you brought too much stuff with you? Keeping it simple for some trips allows for a greater awareness of your surroundings and more time spent in the moment vs. fighting your gear.
Kayak fishing is growing in popularity and tournaments are increasing their payouts as a result. As every sport grows so does the intensity. I challenge you to carve out time for less serious trips. Force yourself to slow down and take stock in what drew you to the sport in the first place. Find the moments that make kayaking special. Looking back at the moments I've shared with you I can honestly admit I appreciate the happiness and beauty as much as I should. Kayaking is one-of-a-kind and I can safely say I will not take it for granted again.
Kayaks Featured in this Video
Length: 11'3" | Width: 33" | Weight: 63lbs (without drive) | Carrying Capacity: 375lbs
Stability and maneuverability make the NuCanoe Flint versatile enough for narrow rivers to large lakes. Designed for all-day comfort, the Flint features a custom height seat and a wide-open deck to give you complete control of how you build your kayak.
Anglers will love the four flush-mount rod tubes, two horizontal rod holders, tackle box pockets and five accessory tracks throughout the kayak. Additional features include a transducer recess, integrated foot pegs, and multiple storage options. NuCanoe's Flint is a blank canvas waiting to be painted by anglers who know exactly what they want.
$1,099
Length: 9' 8" / 275 cm | Width: 35" / 87 cm | Weight: 62 lbs / 28 kg | Carrying Capacity: 419 lbs / 190 kg
Whether you're a drifting fisherman, a tournament kayak angler, or an avid recreational paddler; the Vanhunks Pike Fishing Kayak is the ultimate all-around kayak that will suit any water conditions. The Vanhunks Pike's maneuverable 9’8 design offers excellent stability and superior comfort. Combine this with the adaptability of the Tool Pod, and it becomes the perfect fishing companion.
And no matter if you are a novice or experienced paddler, this kayak is a great all-rounder for anglers wanting to get out on the water without breaking the bank. And with its sleek design and compatibility with either Vanhunks’ Fin Drive and Propeller Drive, it's equipped with many accessory and upgrade options.
Starting at $1,095
Length: 13' | Width: 34" | Weight: 73lbs | Carrying Capacity: 427lbs
The 2024 Malibu Two XL Angler is one of the first tandem sit-on-tops specifically set up for kayak fishing. Over 450 lbs. of capacity plus great stability, adds up to a great choice for two anglers and their gear. Perfect for dads (and moms) who want to introduce the sport of fishing to their kids. You’ll never want to fish alone again.
Can be paddled solo or tandem. Includes a center storage hatch, skid plate, two comfort seats, overlapping foot wells, paddle holders and four deck mounts and two Scotty rod holders.
$1,149
NuCanoe Frontier 12 Fishing Kayak
Length: 12' | Width: 41" | Weight: 77lbs (without drive) | Carrying Capacity: 650lbs
Considered one of the most stable kayaks on the market, the Frontier 12 is the bigger sibling to the Frontier 10. Built for both anglers and hunters, the Frontier 12 is a hybrid sit-on-top kayak capable of taking on salt water, rivers, or even hunting in marshes.
At 41" wide, outdoor enthusists don't need to worry about stability when standing or transporting large game in the open deck. With NuCanoe kayaks, hunters and anglers have the choice to set out stripped down or rigged up with accessories. With four accessory tracks, ample storage, anchor line cleats, battery box home, and many more features, the Frontier 12 is a fully-customizable kayak that can accomodate tons of gear or even two paddlers.
$1,699
Hobie Mirage Outback Fishing Kayak
Length: 12'9" / 3.89 m | Width: 34" / .86 m | Carrying Capacity: 425 lbs / 192.78 kg
Fully-loaded for fishing, the Hobie Mirage Outback is for anglers looking to hunt monsters on the ocean or well-hidden bass in freshwater. Hobie's Mirage Outback features an extra-wide EVA standing deck to improve stand-up casting in all types of water conditions.
Powered by the MirageDrive 180, the Hobie Mirage Outback has forward/backward pedal capability and the Hobie patented Kick-Up Turbo Fin technology to avoid the headaches of shallow water and debris. A notched MirageDrive Well provides even more shallow water protection.
Hobie's Mirage Outback also boasts a forward accessory mount, H-rail with patented RAM hand-track, Vantage adjustable seating, utility trays, retractable transducer shiled, and four molded rod holders.
$3,699
Accessories Even the Simplified Angler Can't Leave Behind
Talk to any paddler, whether they are recreational or anglers, and they’ll all tell you one accessory you cannot go on the water without is your lifejacket (PFD). No matter the level of experience you have or the water you are on, you can never be certain you won’t capsize or sustain an injury that incapacitates you. A PFD is a must have for all paddlers. The best PFD on the market is the one that you will wear!
Shop all Lifejackets and PFDs to find the best fit for you and your paddling needs and check out our full podcast episode breaking down the Best PFDs for Kayak Fishing.
Bring the Right Gear – Visibility
The other non-negotiable accessory in addition to your lifejacket is visability. It boils down to keeping yourself visible to others and afloat on the water. These two pieces of gear can prevent an accident and keep you alive.
Adding lights to your kayak can be as comlex or as simple as you'd like it to be. If you have a motor on your kayak you are required by law to have the red and green navigation lights on your kayak. However, even if you do not have a motor it is wise to add a visibility flag or light combo to make yourself seen by other boaters.
Many lighting and flag kits don't require any drilling into your kayak and can prevent a boating accident. Let's look at some lighting kits to keep you safe on the water.
Kayak Anglers Resource Community
A community for kayak anglers. The discussions are generated by kayak anglers and the kayaking community shares tips, mistakes and suggestions for kayak fishing. Check out a few examples of anglers helping anglers:
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