Saltwater fishing from a sea kayak is a unique and appealing way to pursue a sport that has traditionally required expensive and complicated boats that are beyond the reach of most people. Modern kayaks are descended from ancient Eskimo watercraft developed for the purpose of obtaining a livelihood from the sea by allowing their occupants to hunt and fish for a variety of marine animals. If kayaks seem too small to be used as a fishing vessel, consider that these primitive hunters used them to procure not only fish, but even seals, walrus, and small whales.
The key to modern kayak fishing is the open cockpit, sit-on-top model with self-draining scuppers and wide beam for extra stability and for carrying the necessary tackle. These molded plastic kayaks are virtually indestructible, low cost, and easy to paddle, making them the most user-friendly of all boats available for beginners.
Serious fishermen who have started fishing from kayaks say they fish a lot more frequently than they did before. The simplicity of the kayak makes it easier to get out on the water, compared to trailering a larger boat to the ramp and dealing with the engine and fuel. Simply throw the kayak in the bed of a pickup truck, or tie it to the roof racks of a car, and go. It requires a less is more mentality. A side benefit is the healthy exercise it provides.
Ocean kayaks optimized for sport fishing are equipped with mounted rod holders, coolers, folding anchors, GPS receivers, and even deck-mounted electronic fish-finders powered by a small sealed lead acid battery mounted inside the boat. A kayak so equipped could almost be described as a “fishing chair that moves.” In addition to this specialized fishing equipment and the usual assortment of artificial lures or live bait that any fisherman requires, there are other essential items an ocean kayak fisherman needs for safety and self-sufficiency.
Foremost on the list is a good Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device (PFD), essential in the event the paddler gets separated from the kayak. A sharp knife is also a requirement when dealing with fishing lines and the possibility that a larger fish than can be landed is hooked. In addition to a hand-held or deck-mounted GPS receiver, kayakers should also be equipped with a deck-mounted steering compass for navigation. A hand-held marine VHF radio is a good idea, and could be backed up with a cell-phone provided the fishing area is not so remote as to be out of a cellular coverage area. In addition to these means of communication, a set of Coast Guard-approved flares and a loud emergency whistle should be carried as a back up means of calling for help. Even daytime fishermen should carry a waterproof flashlight, incase they are delayed in returning to shore, and for this same reason, plenty of drinking water and some high-energy snack food should be packed. Round this list out with a paddle tether to prevent loss of the paddle in the excitement of hooking a big one, and wear the protection of a good hat, sunglasses and some sunscreen, and you are ready to go.
Ocean kayak fishing can be done independently from any beach, or with a group or the support of a charter boat. No matter where or how you go, once you try this exciting way of fishing, chances are you’ll be hooked. If you already own a larger fishing boat, you may decide to sell it and spend all that extra maintenance time on the water in your kayak instead of slaving away in the marina or boatyard.
