Summer 2016 | Sea Island Life Magazine Spring/Summer 2016 | Page 14

O U T WA R D B O U N D PADDLE, ANGLE, CATCH KAYAK FISHING IS ON THE RISE FOR OUTDOORSMEN LOOKING FOR ACTION-PACKED CATCHES. BY DAVINA VAN BUREN 14 SEA ISL AND LIFE | SPRING/SUMMER 2016 Fisherman and His Boat While the small size of the kayak leads many to think big catches are out of reach, one of the main advantages to this type of fishing is accessibility. Simply put, kayakers can go where boats cannot. “It only takes a few inches of water to float my kayak, so I can put the boat in skinny [very shallow] or congested water,” Sammons explains. With no loud engines or wakes to disperse the water, kayaks offer a powerful tool to anglers: stealth. Sammons says certain species of fish are easily frightened by noise; therefore a motorized boat diminishes the chances of catching these types of fish. For instance, flounder—an easily startled species that is plentiful around PHOTO COURTESY OF “THE KAYAK FISHING SHOW WITH JIM SAMMONS” f or some anglers, hitting the water in a high-tech fishing boat and using modern gear is part of the fun. But for fishermen seeking a more intimate brush with Mother Nature, kayak fishing is an ideal way to experience the water from an entirely different perspective. As the sport gains traction, its rising popularity can be seen in television programs such as National Geographic Channel’s “King Fishers,” the Discovery Channel’s “Pacific Warriors,” and NBC Sports’ “The Extreme Kayak Fishing Challenge.” Hosted by angler extraordinaire Jim Sammons, the latter follows his quest around the world to catch the biggest game fish possible from his vessel. World-renowned kayak fisherman Jim Sammons