Kayak essentials 2024

Yeajray231 reply :

I couldn't find what I was looking for in the list.. two things.

1) what are the things you always bring and rely on when using your kayak.

2) your favorite presentations for kayak fishing. My kayak you are not able to stand. So some techniques are a little more difficult. if your kayak is similar then I would love to hear your (seasonal) go-to baits.

Darren. reply :

On 11/29/2016 at 1:17 AM, Yeajray231 said:

I couldn't find what I was looking for in the list.. two things.

1) what are the things you always bring and rely on when using your kayak.

#1 is a PFD; knife; emergency paddle (I'm electrified); Food/water if I plan on being out extended period of time.

2) your favorite presentations for kayak fishing. My kayak you are not able to stand. So some techniques are a little more difficult. if your kayak is similar then I would love to hear your (seasonal) go-to baits.

Favorite presentations are the wacky rig, and drop shot

Yeajray231 reply :

No luck with hardbaits or jigs ? Spinners of any kind ? Do you use one of those drift socks ? Anchor system ? Do you have recommendations on a depth finder ? Do you only fish out of your yak ? Usually in Lakers or rivers? Primary target species ?

@Darren.

Choporoz reply :

On 11/29/2016 at 1:17 AM, Yeajray231 said:

I couldn't find what I was looking for in the list.. two things.

1) what are the things you always bring and rely on when using your kayak.

Beyond the obvious, I always take at least one bottle of water, flag (gives me a lot of peace of mind on busy water), fish grips, sonar, cigars, readers, empty water bottle (I can't stand in mine, either...if I need to take a leak and can't get to a decent landing, the empty bottle becomes invaluable.)

2) your favorite presentations for kayak fishing. My kayak you are not able to stand. So some techniques are a little more difficult. if your kayak is similar then I would love to hear your (seasonal) go-to baits.

My presentations don't vary too much from when I'm in a boat. I just learned to be proficient roll-casting when I might otherwise be flipping. I will say that I've never tried to throw an a-rig from my yak; Unlike @Darren. , I rarely drop-shot or wacky rig.

I bought a drift sock, but haven't ever tried to use it. Sonar and anchor trolley were early, important mods.

Darren. reply :

On 11/29/2016 at 2:01 AM, Yeajray231 said:

No luck with hardbaits or jigs ? Spinners of any kind ? Do you use one of those drift socks ? Anchor system ? Do you have recommendations on a depth finder ? Do you only fish out of your yak ? Usually in Lakers or rivers? Primary target species ?

@Darren.

Was just answering your original question. As for these:

I rarely throw hardbaits these days. Just not as productive.

Jigs are in my tackle box, throw occasionally. Spinners not
often.

No drift sock; yes Stick-It Anchor Pin 7', and rarely use an
anchor anymore other than the pin. Trolling motor keeps me
on spot usually.

Have a cheap depth finder - if I had money, I'd get something
with down scan to give me better image of contour.

I bank fish sometimes, otherwise I yak it. Lakes/reservoirs.

Primary is bass, but I'll take anything that bites.

Yeajray231 reply :

On 11/29/2016 at 2:58 AM, Darren. said:

Was just answering your original question. As for these:

I rarely throw hardbaits these days. Just not as productive.

Jigs are in my tackle box, throw occasionally. Spinners not
often.

No drift sock; yes Stick-It Anchor Pin 7', and rarely use an
anchor anymore other than the pin. Trolling motor keeps me
on spot usually.

Have a cheap depth finder - if I had money, I'd get something
with down scan to give me better image of contour.

I bank fish sometimes, otherwise I yak it. Lakes/reservoirs.

Primary is bass, but I'll take anything that bites.

Thank you. What depth finder do you have now ? And what can it do ? I think I just need depth and temperature but it would be pretty sweet to show objects and fish..

No luck with the hardbaits huh.. that's crazy.. I have extreme success with hardbaits..and the last few years have got lunker of the year for me (like biggest bass I caught that year not some contest lol)

You said wacky and drop shot.. you don't like the senko (or whatever stick bait you use) weightless texas ?

Darren. reply :

On 11/29/2016 at 6:30 AM, Yeajray231 said:

Thank you. What depth finder do you have now ? And what can it do ? I think I just need depth and temperature but it would be pretty sweet to show objects and fish..

An older Garmin unit, simple, black & white. Don't actually use it much, but plan to make more use of it in 2017, hopefully. I've seen fish on it, but found it more helpful with contour, FWIW.

No luck with the hardbaits huh.. that's crazy.. I have extreme success with hardbaits..and the last few years have got lunker of the year for me.

I've had luck, but just not enough to keep me casting them all the time. Hence the occasional/rare usage.

You said wacky and drop shot.. you don't like the senko (or whatever stick bait you use) weightless texas ?

I employ a TX rig, mojo, split shot as well. Prefer using Zoom Trick and Finesse worms for those, but I've used senkos weightless TX with success. Just prefer wacky and drop, catch more using those techniques.

MassYak85 reply :

Like others said I always have a PFD with or on me (I will admit I don't always wear it during the hot summer months, I need to start though). Besides that a water bottle and stuff to deal with a fish once I catch it (scale, pliers etc.) are the only other essentials besides at least some gear. Oh and a paddle obviously (duh). As far as techniques, I really don't eliminate any techniques just because I am in my kayak, but I do tend to fish shallower. So frogs and wacky rigs are my go to's.

Caliyak reply :

On 11/29/2016 at 1:17 AM, Yeajray231 said:

I couldn't find what I was looking for in the list.. two things.

1) what are the things you always bring and rely on when using your kayak.

2) your favorite presentations for kayak fishing. My kayak you are not able to stand. So some techniques are a little more difficult. if your kayak is similar then I would love to hear your (seasonal) go-to baits.

1. PFD, paddle, Leatherman, phone and water

2. Texas rig worm and creature bait, swimbaits, we can go in close so flipping is easy on a kayak, pitching is a little tougher. I can't stand on my kayak so flipping into cover is what I do. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and almost anything can be thrown but it takes practice.

On 11/29/2016 at 2:01 AM, Yeajray231 said:

No luck with hardbaits or jigs ? Spinners of any kind ? Do you use one of those drift socks ? Anchor system ? Do you have recommendations on a depth finder ? Do you only fish out of your yak ? Usually in Lakers or rivers? Primary target species ?

@Darren.

I don't use an anchor unless I know it's going to be a windy day. I move a lot/ hunting to fish. I have the Garmin 100. It's the bottom of the models because I only need it for temp and depth. My yak is all I use and love it. Ponds and reseviors in Cali and for me, bass is #1 but I will not discriminate. LOL

Yeajray231 reply :

Yea for example when I use jerkbaits I can't do my normal "snap-snap-snap" straight down like I do when I'm standing up. its a blast though. I have a 14ft extra wide Jon boat, and an inflatable boat.. but I usually fish alone . So the kayak is just seeming to be a great choice. A good workout too . And I like the stealth aspect of it.

Yakalong reply :

usually 3 rods in my kayak have top water, crank bait, and a swim bait to start, if it is early spring or late fall a white rooster tail for white bass.

something always that goes with me is a pair of needle nose pliers

MassYak85 reply :

On 11/29/2016 at 9:19 AM, Yeajray231 said:

Yea for example when I use jerkbaits I can't do my normal "snap-snap-snap" straight down like I do when I'm standing up. its a blast though. I have a 14ft extra wide Jon boat, and an inflatable boat.. but I usually fish alone . So the kayak is just seeming to be a great choice. A good workout too . And I like the stealth aspect of it.

My favorite part is how shallow you can get. Nothing is off limits.

bchase44 reply :

I have a Wilderness Systems Ride 135.. Even though almost everyone else says you can stand up in it.. I find it very unsettling. I plan to try some more when the water is warm next year.

So I sit for now, learn to roll cast (spinning rod or baitcaster).. It's pretty easy to learn and you will get just as good as pitching in my opinion doing that. If you google it make sure it's not fly fishing roll cast, that's not same thing

I use a Hummingbird 581i HD Down Imager .. Still getting used to using it but I can see baitfish and cover/structure with it.

Don't know if you have a rudder but I love mine, helps in a lot of situations to position on the move without hands.

Techniques: I drop-shot shallow, and do a lot of finesse type fishing. I do a lot of small crank fishing too..

Dannytoo reply :

"No drift sock; yes Stick-It Anchor Pin 7', and rarely use an
anchor anymore other than the pin. Trolling motor keeps me
on spot usually."

Darren, not to steal the post but how have you attached a trolling motor to your yak?

Yeajray231 reply :

I feel like his kayak is heavy ! Ha-ha. Mine can't be more than 75lbs. I can pick it up and put it in the back of a full size pick up .

dwh4784 reply :

Besides what I've read already, a paddle leash is something I use a lot. That way when you get a good fish on you can toss the paddle in the water and not worry about it. I fish mostly in the shallow, love top water action. When largemouth fishing one rod will have a soft body frog on it, another a t-rig senko. The third varies depending on the day. Also, sunscreen! Nothing like sunburned legs to remind you of a good day on the water. One more thing would be a net to land the nicer fish, and I use it to carry my water,anchor,etc between the water and the van as well.

Yeajray231 reply :

On 11/30/2016 at 6:09 AM, dwh4784 said:

Besides what I've read already, a paddle leash is something I use a lot. That way when you get a good fish on you can toss the paddle in the water and not worry about it. I fish mostly in the shallow, love top water action. When largemouth fishing one rod will have a soft body frog on it, another a t-rig senko. The third varies depending on the day. Also, sunscreen! Nothing like sunburned legs to remind you of a good day on the water. One more thing would be a net to land the nicer fish, and I use it to carry my water,anchor,etc between the water and the van as well.

My yak has a bungee and a clip on both sides where I can easily hang the paddle up on the side with one hand. Its pretty B.A! But a rod leash is a really good idea.. thanks. I'm always worried about tipping and losing my tackle so I try and bring less.. how much does everyone usually bring ?

dwh4784 reply :

The clip sounds really handy. My kayak has indentations to rest it in, but it sits sideways and gets in the way when fighting a fish. So at the first opportunity I grab it and toss it off the side the fish isn't coming in on. I tried leashes on the rods also but it was just too much of a PITA.

I use one small tackle bag, the little blue one Cabelas sells. I also keep it zipped up and tie it off, just in case. It fits six 3500 size boxes, and has room on the ends for pliers, scale, etc. I usually just pack the boxes I'll actually use that day. And I don't carry any duplicate lures (other than extra plastics).

the reel ess reply :

Kayak, paddle (you will eventually forget this), paddle leash, PFD, Homemade crate with rod holders. tackle box I leave in the truck. One small clear Plano box in the crate.

As many combos as I think I might need already rigged with what I think they'll bite. I have holders for 7, including in the crate. Usually I take 5-6.

A few bags of the soft plastics I plan on using. Pliers. A weight scale. Sometimes scissors if I plan on cutting braid. My phone in a waterproof, floating case my family gave me.

I have a T-rig combo, a crankbait/topwater combo, a spinning jerkbait combo, a frog/hvy jig combo, a spinner/buzzbait combo and a spinning combo that I usually have a weightless Trick Worm tied on. These will cover any presentation and I can go back to the truck if I need something from the tackle box.

MassYak85 reply :

On 11/30/2016 at 7:40 AM, Yeajray231 said:

My yak has a bungee and a clip on both sides where I can easily hang the paddle up on the side with one hand. Its pretty B.A! But a rod leash is a really good idea.. thanks. I'm always worried about tipping and losing my tackle so I try and bring less.. how much does everyone usually bring ?

Too much!

I have a milk crate behind my seat in my FS10. I have PVC tubes tie-wrapped to it so I can have 3 rods behind me, and a net. Then I have the two stock rod holders that are recessed into the kayak. So I can bring 5 rods if I want to. The milk crate also is big enough for about 6 3700 boxes. As far as tipping and losing gear, I haven't ever tipped but I mounted those plastic eyelets to either side of the kayak where the rod holders are, and I have a short piece of bungee that I can wrap around the rod that's in the holder and then hook into a plastic hook I also mounted. For the tackle boxes in my milk crate. I also have a bungee that can hook over the top of the crate to keep them from falling out, and then I have a bungee on either side of the milk crate to keep the crate itself in.

On 11/30/2016 at 12:05 PM, dwh4784 said:

The clip sounds really handy. My kayak has indentations to rest it in, but it sits sideways and gets in the way when fighting a fish. So at the first opportunity I grab it and toss it off the side the fish isn't coming in on. I tried leashes on the rods also but it was just too much of a PITA.

I use one small tackle bag, the little blue one Cabelas sells. I also keep it zipped up and tie it off, just in case. It fits six 3500 size boxes, and has room on the ends for pliers, scale, etc. I usually just pack the boxes I'll actually use that day. And I don't carry any duplicate lures (other than extra plastics).

I have those same indentations on mine, two sets of them actually. They are nice but I have a rather light paddle and when the wind kicks up it can get thrown into my chest even if it's resting in the indents. I mounted some bungee and plastic hooks so I can strap it in there if I need.

Can you tell I like bungee chord yet haha

Hawghead reply :

I have my PFD on at all times

I have my "hard" tackle in a water proof 370 sized tray, my soft tackle in a binder. They are both tethered to my Yak with paracord and a carabiner. I also keep another dry box for my wallet, phone, lighter, cigars, etc. I have a back up 2 piece paddle in the hull of my S-O-T kayak.

I have a cooler with food and drinks.

Typically have a knife and a S &W M&P 9mm on my hip as well.

Think your common sense and wits are useful things to have as well.

flyfisher reply :

Other than your standard fishing gear/safety equipment etc...I would leave other things behind before i left my stakeout pole behind. My Helix 5 SI is something i have grown to love as well.

As far as presentations go, i have yet to find anything i can do from a seated position. I do have the ability to stand in my kayak and do it regularly but when it is windy i try not to as it will blow you around more easily.

Hawkeye21 reply :

I'm pretty early in my kayaking career but so far I bring 3 poles with, one for top water one for a crank bait and one with a wacky rig. I put my tackle bag in front of me by my feet but plan to downsize my tackle just for my kayak. Must have a knife, cutters, scale, pfd and sun screen. One thing I haven't seen listed is a towel. I always like to have a towel with me to wipe my hands off after catching fish to keep the slime down some. I also make sure I have something to drink and snack on. I like to throw an extra shirt and shorts in my dry pack just in case. I use a dry pack for my phone that I keep around my neck so I can check the time and take pics of my nice catches. I do have an anchor and use it occasionally. All my extra stuff I keep in a crate behind my seat.

I have a Lowrance Elite 7 but haven't mounted in on my kayak yet. I plan to add that this Spring along with a cup holder and rod holders.

wally311 reply :

Regarding presentations, one thing that I have noticed when fishing deeper diving crankbaits while not anchored is that they will tend to pull you in the direction of your cast, so positioning can be a pain. I often find myself making "compensation casts" to pull me back on track. Not a huge deal, but makes an anchor and an anchor trolley that much more worth while.

afrayed knot reply :

Portable urinal . Come on I can't be the only one that needs to answer natures call way to frequently

RB 77 reply :

Even though it has been mentioned several times, it bears repeating, a PFD. Also, a waterproof case for your phone. This is super crucial. Don't ask me I how I know...

Presentations are primarily the same. A drift sock or anchor can come in handy for slower stuff like wormin' and jigin'...

On 11/29/2016 at 10:25 AM, MassYak85 said:

My favorite part is how shallow you can get. Nothing is off limits.

This is a huge difference and advantage over a boat or even a float tube for that matter. A kayak allows you to fish waters and position yourself in places where no other angler who is not in a kayak can go.

Hawkeye21 reply :

On 1/27/2017 at 5:37 PM, afrayed knot said:

Portable urinal . Come on I can't be the only one that needs to answer natures call way to frequently

That's a really good point. I don't have one on my kayak but we always have one on the boat when I go with friends. We use a large bottle that has a handle and just cut a hole in the top side. Works great because it's not as obvious compared to peeing off the side of a boat like many do.

Choporoz reply :

My portable urinal is empty coffee cup or water/gatorade bottle. I will say that 'the call' is often a reminder to get out and stand once in a while, also. I've gone five hours at a stretch without standing, but I always regret it.

SemperFishing reply :

Someone needs to fess up to it, so here I go.

I've flipped a full kayak. In 40 degree water on a 70 degree day. Your PFD is the most important piece of equipment you can own. I wasn't worried about drowning, hypothermia and a heart attack had me scared. Being a floating corpse. I flipped in trying to adjust my Native Slayer's great seat to the lower position. It happened quickly. In 9 feet of water on a windy day. The yak stayed upside down and there was no getting back in it, I tried. Instead I side stroked to shore, thankfully only twenty yards away. However, I had just dropped anchor. So I'm dragging yak......and anchor to shore. I got it all there, composed myself, and flipped it back over. I was wearing layers, chest waders, windbreaker.

I lost five rods. All G Loomis and Shimano reels. I was able to retrieve one days later by dragging the bottom. Total loss was approximately $2K. My Lowrance survived great, my yakattack crate was strapped in and CLOSED, my phone (in a dry box) was safe, as was the rest of my tackle in plano boxes. Scared a year off my life.

I relay this because it can happen to you. Will one day. WEAR YOUR PFD ALWAYS. Strap in everything, leash everything, containerize everything. When you use something or change baits close the container and secure it before you cast. Have a dry bag with dry clothes, matches, etc. Wear bright colors, have a flag if you kayak wear powerboats or speeding traffic share the water with you. Water proof flashlights. Think flip and plan flip. You may be the most careful person but mother nature or a power boater have it out for you.

I love yak fishing. But I learned a hard lesson. It will happen. Be prepared!!!

MassYak85 reply :

@SemperFishing All great advice. I make it a point once the water drops into the lower 50's to always have my outriggers attached just to eliminate the risk of a tip. Doesn't mean I can't get dangerously wet but I won't be swimming. As for my gear, thankfully I've never tipped but I have made bungee leashes for most of my rods and tackle. Each rod can be bungee strapped into it's holder and all my boxes are in a milk crate with a bungee going across the top to hold them in, plus the crate itself is bungeed in. Stuff that I keep in the cockpit like pliers, scale, etc. would be lost but compared to the rest of my stuff it wouldn't be a huge deal.

*not sure why it won't let me delete the second picture

bigfruits reply :

On 1/27/2017 at 5:37 PM, afrayed knot said:

Portable urinal . Come on I can't be the only one that needs to answer natures call way to frequently

if you have a sit on top it should not be hard to lean the boat and go off the side. the end is a little tricky, i use my reeling hand as a splash guard and quickly dunk it in the water (upriver from bubbles!) before the 5 sec rule.

1. rudder, anchor trolley, sonar, soft cooler, pfd, rod holders on tracks, milk crate with vertical rod holders, paddle (plastic blades,carbon shaft), paddle holder and the most important besides a paddle: a comfortable seat (w/frame)

2. jigs! like mentioned above, you cant do downward twitching on a kayak when sitting. i rarely do jerkbaits but walking topwaters is doable. when i get out on my friends bass boats, i tend to throw alot of frogs and poppers a little longer than i should when theyre not working for me.

Landis Carrier reply :

On 1/28/2017 at 12:03 AM, SemperFishing said:

Someone needs to fess up to it, so here I go.

I've flipped a full kayak. In 40 degree water on a 70 degree day. Your PFD is the most important piece of equipment you can own. I wasn't worried about drowning, hypothermia and a heart attack had me scared. Being a floating corpse. I flipped in trying to adjust my Native Slayer's great seat to the lower position. It happened quickly. In 9 feet of water on a windy day. The yak stayed upside down and there was no getting back in it, I tried. Instead I side stroked to shore, thankfully only twenty yards away. However, I had just dropped anchor. So I'm dragging yak......and anchor to shore. I got it all there, composed myself, and flipped it back over. I was wearing layers, chest waders, windbreaker.

I lost five rods. All G Loomis and Shimano reels. I was able to retrieve one days later by dragging the bottom. Total loss was approximately $2K. My Lowrance survived great, my yakattack crate was strapped in and CLOSED, my phone (in a dry box) was safe, as was the rest of my tackle in plano boxes. Scared a year off my life.

I relay this because it can happen to you. Will one day. WEAR YOUR PFD ALWAYS. Strap in everything, leash everything, containerize everything. When you use something or change baits close the container and secure it before you cast. Have a dry bag with dry clothes, matches, etc. Wear bright colors, have a flag if you kayak wear powerboats or speeding traffic share the water with you. Water proof flashlights. Think flip and plan flip. You may be the most careful person but mother nature or a power boater have it out for you.

I love yak fishing. But I learned a hard lesson. It will happen. Be prepared!!!

Yup. It can happen! I flipped on the Delaware River last year. Lost 4 rods and lots of odds and ends and my iPhone. My crate stayed intact! I was in about 17ft of water in moving current....I was thankful I had my PFD on. Like you mentioned it happens soooooo fast! Wear your PFD!

Hawkeye21 reply :

I like to go trout fishing a decent amount so I use a tackle backpack. This is what I bring on my kayak as well. Since the trout streams I fish are not usually used a lot and are fairly remote I make sure I have enough gear with me if something happens. I like knowing I have some survival gear regardless if I'm in the woods or on a lake in my kayak.

I like to have a larger survival knife and pocket knife. Multi-tool. Zip lock bag with some toilet paper, matches and anything else I want dry. Bottle of water and snacks. Whistle. I even have a folding saw just in case. Dry bag for extra clothes and my phone.

Since I go into some remote areas occasionally I don't always have cell service. I make sure I tell my wife exactly where I'm at in case something happens to me. I also will take screen shots of a topography map of the area I'm in on my phone so I can have some sense of where I'm at if lost. I've actually had to use this before and it helped a lot.

fluna reply :

I take water bottles, snacks, freezer bag for ny wallet and phone, pfd, paddle. Reading this made realize what else I should be bringing along! I throw poppers, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, wacky rig and texas rigged worms and jointed minnows. Basically same stuff I use when I rent a boat in Northern MI. Have tried throwing my frog, I have a hard time walking it from the yak.

RB 77 reply :

On 1/28/2017 at 12:03 AM, SemperFishing said:

Someone needs to fess up to it, so here I go.

I've flipped a full kayak. In 40 degree water on a 70 degree day. Your PFD is the most important piece of equipment you can own. I wasn't worried about drowning, hypothermia and a heart attack had me scared. Being a floating corpse. I flipped in trying to adjust my Native Slayer's great seat to the lower position. It happened quickly. In 9 feet of water on a windy day. The yak stayed upside down and there was no getting back in it, I tried. Instead I side stroked to shore, thankfully only twenty yards away. However, I had just dropped anchor. So I'm dragging yak......and anchor to shore. I got it all there, composed myself, and flipped it back over. I was wearing layers, chest waders, windbreaker.

I lost five rods. All G Loomis and Shimano reels. I was able to retrieve one days later by dragging the bottom. Total loss was approximately $2K. My Lowrance survived great, my yakattack crate was strapped in and CLOSED, my phone (in a dry box) was safe, as was the rest of my tackle in plano boxes. Scared a year off my life.

I relay this because it can happen to you. Will one day. WEAR YOUR PFD ALWAYS. Strap in everything, leash everything, containerize everything. When you use something or change baits close the container and secure it before you cast. Have a dry bag with dry clothes, matches, etc. Wear bright colors, have a flag if you kayak wear powerboats or speeding traffic share the water with you. Water proof flashlights. Think flip and plan flip. You may be the most careful person but mother nature or a power boater have it out for you.

I love yak fishing. But I learned a hard lesson. It will happen. Be prepared!!!

Yeah, it can and does happen. I have donated my fair share of gear over the years. Be prepared people and stay safe.

One other thing worth mentioning is that along with the rod holders I run in my crate I created a separate holder that I can slide a homemade dune buggy whip that I fly Old Glory from. I get to show my pride in my country and keep myself a little safer while out on the water. With all kinds of vessels flying around on plane all over the lakes and bays I feel this one extra precaution can be a huge help in letting a vessel spot you from a distance.

mixel reply :

On 1/28/2017 at 12:03 AM, SemperFishing said:

Someone needs to fess up to it, so here I go.

I relay this because it can happen to you. Will one day. WEAR YOUR PFD ALWAYS. Strap in everything, leash everything, containerize everything. When you use something or change baits close the container and secure it before you cast. Have a dry bag with dry clothes, matches, etc. Wear bright colors, have a flag if you kayak wear powerboats or speeding traffic share the water with you. Water proof flashlights. Think flip and plan flip. You may be the most careful person but mother nature or a power boater have it out for you.

I love yak fishing. But I learned a hard lesson. It will happen. Be prepared!!!

I've nearly flipped in the ocean but am very comfortable swimming in big wave 10'+ conditions and strong rip currents. The real problem however is as you mentioned, the cold water which can shut a body down fast, especially if you are already fatigued from being out for a while. My personal best in 52d water is swimming for about 1 hour, constantly moving. Then my body and mind start to shut down. Not bragging but trying to make the point that it's extremely important to know your limitations. If you're fishing 40-50d water, you better know you're able to swim to shore on your own, in your clothes if you can't get them off after submersion.

It's important to practice in calm water purposely flipping your kayak so you can experience what happens. We do this in the shallows of Morro Harbor and practice flipping the kayak back to upright position without standing, and practice climbing back onto the kayak, because there are certainly good and bad ways to try and climb back on. Take the time to practice.

Of course it goes without saying to wear a life vest too.

Also, if you are in moving water such a river, you should consider tethering your oar to your kayak. If you flip, hold onto the oar and your kayak won't float away from you. There are arguments against tethering and I don't personally use one but I consider myself a strong swimmer and I haven't tried fishing in streams yet. Read more here for ideas.

Also, as Semper's story so painfully can attest, you should make every effort to tether or tie down all things you aren't currently using. You should be able to flip your kayak and lose minimal gear. Go the extra mile and be prepared for the worst situation. It will give you more confidence and assurance for when (not if) something goes wrong.

NorthwestBasser reply :

I can stand up in my kayak and I've done it to urinate, but there no chance I would survive a hook set without ending up in the water! I stay seated. I can't seem to flip or pitch while sitting so I stick to my frogs, cranks and jerks, jigs and swimbaits, t-rigs and finesse. Drop shot always comes through for me when all else fails. I always have my phone with me, with location turned on. Trail mix and some beverages, sometimes of the adult variety, the paddle leash is a must. I have an anchor but usually leave it behind because when I need it the most (windy) it does the most damage. Nearly swamped myself once by putting it down on the wrong side of the yak and a rogue wave passed by, instead of floating up and over it the anchor did it's job and kept me pinned down, needless to say I was soaked. Three rods, one spinning two baitcasters. The humminbird fishin buddy is a good choice for electronics. Self contained batteries, clamps on to the hull, depth and temps, even the occasional fish bleep on the screen! Next I'm adding a thirty lbs thrust Minn kota!

SuckAtPhishing reply :

On 11/29/2016 at 1:17 AM, Yeajray231 said:

I couldn't find what I was looking for in the list.. two things.

1) what are the things you always bring and rely on when using your kayak.

2) your favorite presentations for kayak fishing. My kayak you are not able to stand. So some techniques are a little more difficult. if your kayak is similar then I would love to hear your (seasonal) go-to baits.

1) A really nice pair of water shoes, a nice pair of polarized sunglasses, and a pelican waterproof case for keys and cell phone.

2)Go to bait that has always helped when the fishing is hard is a weightless senko.

Yeajray231 reply :

On 2/14/2017 at 9:32 AM, SuckAtPhishing said:

1) A really nice pair of water shoes, a nice pair of polarized sunglasses, and a pelican waterproof case for keys and cell phone.

2)Go to bait that has always helped when the fishing is hard is a weightless senko.

I feel the same.. I have enough senkos to last a lifetime.. probably for both of us. Lol. Especially considering the o-rings and mend it.

SuckAtPhishing reply :

On 2/14/2017 at 9:51 AM, Yeajray231 said:

I feel the same.. I have enough senkos to last a lifetime.. probably for both of us. Lol. Especially considering the o-rings and mend it.

no doubt man I have a ton as well every color lol and bags and bags of them.

the reel ess reply :

On 1/28/2017 at 12:03 AM, SemperFishing said:

Someone needs to fess up to it, so here I go.

I've flipped a full kayak. In 40 degree water on a 70 degree day. Your PFD is the most important piece of equipment you can own. I wasn't worried about drowning, hypothermia and a heart attack had me scared. Being a floating corpse. I flipped in trying to adjust my Native Slayer's great seat to the lower position. It happened quickly. In 9 feet of water on a windy day. The yak stayed upside down and there was no getting back in it, I tried. Instead I side stroked to shore, thankfully only twenty yards away. However, I had just dropped anchor. So I'm dragging yak......and anchor to shore. I got it all there, composed myself, and flipped it back over. I was wearing layers, chest waders, windbreaker.

I lost five rods. All G Loomis and Shimano reels. I was able to retrieve one days later by dragging the bottom. Total loss was approximately $2K. My Lowrance survived great, my yakattack crate was strapped in and CLOSED, my phone (in a dry box) was safe, as was the rest of my tackle in plano boxes. Scared a year off my life.

I relay this because it can happen to you. Will one day. WEAR YOUR PFD ALWAYS. Strap in everything, leash everything, containerize everything. When you use something or change baits close the container and secure it before you cast. Have a dry bag with dry clothes, matches, etc. Wear bright colors, have a flag if you kayak wear powerboats or speeding traffic share the water with you. Water proof flashlights. Think flip and plan flip. You may be the most careful person but mother nature or a power boater have it out for you.

I love yak fishing. But I learned a hard lesson. It will happen. Be prepared!!!

I fell out once in 60 degree water, but the kayak didn't flip. I set the hook on a fish that wasn't there and couldn't regain my balance. I guess I went with the flow and bailed out. But when I did, I got braid around my ankle about 7 times. I also had to hold the yak and side stroke it to shore. I was in a pond with a very semisolid bottom composition. My daughter thought it was very scary at first then very funny. This is the only time it's ever happened.

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