“ I ’ d say I stand about 50 percent of the time while I fish ,” says Ernst , who chose the Jackson Kayak Cuda HD as his new fishing rig . “ This is a new , sit-on-top hull design . It ’ s wider [ than the previous Cuda model ] and very stable .”
Russell Johnson is a certified kayak instructor who spends considerable time chasing smallmouths in the rivers near his Pennsylvania home . To get a good view , Johnson stands up almost continually while fishing , and at 6 feet tall and 270 pounds , he found an advantage to choosing a boat big enough to fit his frame .
“ I fish from a Jackson Kilroy DT , and draft as little water as possible for my size ,” he says .
The Kilroy DT is a sit-inside kayak marketed as a tandem unit , but its unique track seating system allows Johnson to covert it to a large , one-man boat .
“ Finding a kayak that was good for me to stand up in was a key ,” he adds . “ With a sit-on-top , your feet are 3 to 6 inches above the water line when standing . With my boat , my feet are on the water line .”
Johnson believes the lower position improves stability for pushing and paddling .
So if you ’ re considering a kayak and want to stand , it ’ s worth the time to do some research on the stability of various models , and to consider whether a sit-inside or sit-ontop model is best .
Technique Variability
Ernst believes that a few bass fishing techniques require an angler to stand , but not all . In fact , he sees advantages in sitting for some techniques .
“ Flipping and pitching , no doubt , I ’ m standing . And skipping under docks ,” he says . “ My favorite way to fish is cranking . And when I crank , or throw a ChatterBait or spinnerbait , I sit down .”
Ernst believes a seated kayak angler actually excels in scenarios that require casting and winding . Because the position is more stable , he can focus on fishing .
Practice Makes Perfect
As you develop kayak fishing skills , consider practicing standing and maneuvering , just as you ’ d practice various seated paddle strokes . Reserve practice for times and places where you ’ re not likely to encounter heavy wind or boat traffic , and always wear a PFD . Over time , standing should become easier as you master balance and muscle control .
“ I remember the first time I stood up in a kayak ,” Ernst says . “ I wasn ’ t comfortable at all . Now , I don ’ t even think about it .”
Equipment for Standing
All you need to stand is your legs , but if you want to move and control the kayak while standing , you ’ ll need a paddle or push-pole that can reach .
While reservoir fishing for bass , Ernst often paddles while standing using his regular paddle to keep gear and weight to a minimum .
“ I put my hand on the top blade of the paddle and stroke like a canoe ,” he says .
On inshore jaunts for redfish , or when stalking spooky shallow bass , Ernst switches to a push-pole .
“ I use the YakAttack stake-out pole [ a shallow-water “ stick pin ” called the ParkNPole that is intended for anchoring ]. I push with the T-handle , and stake out my boat by flipping the pole over and pushing it through the scupper hole on my kayak .”
Kayak anglers interested in push-poling should also consider the Superstick Push Pole , a lightweight , telescoping , nearly indestructible unit used by many FLW Tour pros when pushing their bass boats in shallow water . The Superstick is compatible with multiple head attachments , including a paddle blade . I ’ ve used it several times in my kayak , and found the extra length to be ideal for paddling / pushing around while standing .
Johnson pushes and paddles along with a Bending Branches carbon fiber paddle .
“ That ’ s a very tough paddle ,” he says , “ so I don ’ t need to carry any other type of pole . I can do everything with it , and I have less to carry .”
PFDs
Neither of our pros feels unsafe whatsoever when standing in his kayak , but it goes without saying that all kayak anglers should wear a life jacket at all times . Ernst likes the models built by Kokatat , which feature the majority of the flotation on the front of the jacket and around the lower waist , a configuration he finds more comfortable for the movements associated with kayaking without sacrificing safety . Idaho-based Northwest River Supplies ( NRS ) also offers a variety of kayak-specific models .
With practice , kayak anglers can confidently attack the water using their favorite bass fishing methods from a standing position . The trick is to pick the right boat for your individual size and needs , then rise up to the challenge .
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