Get bent with an adrenaline-packed salmon sleigh ride on a kayak . hugh harris photo easy to get carried away . My best advice is to minimize the amount of gear you carry to facilitate a safe and successful experience on the water . Arrive on the water prepared with all hooks and leaders pre-tied and organized on leader boards . I keep my gear stored in a water-resistant bag under or behind my seat . Everything should be within reach , secured to the kayak , and out of the way so if you do end up swimming you ’ re not getting tangled . Keep the deck clear of clutter , especially loose fishing line or tethers . Maintain a sharp safety knife attached to your PFD that is easily accessible with one free hand .
Gear tracks are a versatile option that allows you to attach , adjust , and remove hugh harris photo external accessories such as fish finders , tethers , flags , and rod holders . A sturdy rod holder is essential for trolling heavy weight and withstanding aggressive fish strikes . For increased track stability add a backing plate to the inside of the hull and apply marine adhesive to the holes . Many of the higher-end modern fishing kayaks are manufactured with built-in gear track mounts and rail systems . Earlier models can simply be modified by installing track mounting to the sides of the cockpit and stern .
A low profile , line counter reel is compact , easy to manage with one hand , and takes the guessing out of your fishing game . The line counter permits more time fishing confidently with your gear in the zone and frees your concentration to focus on the details of your surroundings .
Netting large aggressive fish from a kayak is a skill that will come with time . The net and rod you choose are important factors to consider . I ’ ve found that a longer parabolic rod will help keep the hooks pinned on a combative salmon but also may be cumbersome when netting fish close to the kayak . A medium action , heavy power , 8- to 9-foot parabolic rod has sufficient action to keep the hooks buried , and the power to hold up to bigger fish when trolling heavier weight . A light weight net with a collapsible 4-foot handle is compact and ideal for transporting on a kayak . Technique in fighting the fish is key . You will put more fish in the kayak with less effort by taking your time to wear the
fish down until it surfaces belly up .
A fish finder with GPS provides a serious advantage for locating and presenting gear in front of fish . Salmon are unpredictable and their behavior is dependent on subtle changes in their environment . Gathering more information about the water and surroundings will allow you to accommodate your fishing strategies and catch more fish . The GPS function is an additional safety asset for kayakers to monitor their location in relation to their launch , especially important when fishing big water with strong currents and variable conditions .
Once that trophy salmon is landed you will want to safely secure and store your catch on ice in a fish cooler bag that ’ s tethered to the stern of the kayak . PNW salmon is among the finest table fare from our waters and deserves to be honored by preserving its ’ natural fresh qualities .
Jon Simmons is an avid fisherman who pursues salmon throughout the seasons from the bank , boat , and kayak . Simmons utilizes the kayak to reliably target fish while enjoying the unique experience of solitude .
“ Fishing from my kayak is quiet and focused . It forces simplicity with less gear , maintenance , and mechanical failures without the sounds of a motor ,” he says .
Each kayak fisherman will tell a slightly different story with some similarities as to what draws them into the sport . Some of these highlights are
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