TAKEOFF
Quick Tips
KAYAK FISHING
• Maintain good pos-
ture – sit straight and
relax your shoulders
• Engage your core
• Keep arms relatively
straight
• Loosen your grip
• Don’t strain your
wrists by bending
5 BASIC PADDLING POINTS TO
MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY
• Use the footpegs to
brace
A JACKSON KAYAK PRO-STAFFER EXPLAINS HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR STROKE
Y
By Bridgett Howard
ou’ve got a kayak, a paddle and a PFD – time to jump in the water and go, right? Almost, but
first review the following five pointers that will help you get out and stay out there and boost
your chances to land some backwater bruisers.
48
1. hOLD yOUR PADDLE cORREcTLy
The widest, or longest side of the paddle should be up (see
above), and the power face (concave surface) facing you. This will
allow for an easier stroke when the blade enters the water and
means you won’t need to employ a death-grip on the shaft of
the paddle. Relax your hands and let the paddle do the work.
Your hands should be a bit farther apart than shoulder width.
2. POSITION yOURSELf fOR SUccESS
Your posture has a direct impact on how quickly you tire.
In a sit-on-top fishing-style kayak (see facing page), your legs
should be slightly bent, allowing you to brace against the
foot pegs with your back braced comfortably against the
seat. Adjust the foot pegs before you push off the bank. Sit
straight, but relax your shoulders and open your chest.
FLWFISHING.COM I APRIL 2018