TAKEOFF
KAYAK FISHING
Mike Ernst finds that standing
gives him an advantage when
kayak fishing, but it requires
some skills to do it safely.
STANDING IN KAYAKS
M
A FEW BASIC POINTERS FOR TAKING YOUR KAYAK APPROACH UPRIGHT
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odern kayaks are longer, wider and infinitely more
stable than those available just a few years ago. The
improvements are at least in part due to the grow-
ing popularity of rigs specifically designed for fishing, and
demands for lightweight kayaks that allow anglers to stand
up while casting and utilizing the same techniques as their
big boat brethren. Tournament kayak pros make it look easy,
often even paddling while standing.
For the average kayak angler, standing in a kayak raises
a few important questions. Notably: Is it necessary, is it safe
and does it improve your odds of a successful catch? We
dove into the subject with a couple of veteran kayak
anglers.
Basic Styles
By Joe Balog
photos by Chris Conder
It’s important to note the differences in kayak design. Sit-
on-top models position the angler slightly higher than sit-
inside versions, resulting in a higher center of gravity and a
kayak that sometime feels a bit more “tippy” when standing.
But that doesn’t rule them out. Smart hull designs from pre-
mium kayak makers can overcome the issue.
Mike Ernst, a former Kayak Bass Fishing Tennessee angler
of the year and Kayak Bass Fishing National Championship
qualifier, used to guide for muskies in a Ranger Z20 before he
moved to his current home in the South. Now, a kayak angler
who frequents Percy Priest and Old Hickory reservoirs near
Nashville, Ernst isn’t willing to give up standing when he fishes.
FLWFISHING.COM I AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2018