Bass Fishing Apr 2018 | Page 50

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