From the July 2011 issue of Susquehanna Fishing Magazine. To download this and back issues online free, visit SusquehannaFishing.com: http://susquehannafishing.com/
A kayak is a great tool for any angler. Not only is it an easy, affordable, healthy, and environmentally friendly way to get to the fish, it may also aid in landing a fish. I often use lighter weight rods and line when fishing from a kayak than I do from a larger powerboat or from shore. The reason is that the kayak itself acts as a drag system when fighting a fish.
Many kayak anglers refer to the towing action when being pulled by a sizable fish as a “sleigh ride”. In addition to the thrill of being towed by a fish, the mobility of the kayak allows the angler the ability to stay in close proximity to a fish during a more lengthy fight. In contrast, heavier gear may be needed to land a similar sized fish from a larger vessel or shore, due to the static nature of the angler. In other words, the angler must remain relatively stationary while fighting the fish. Since the angler may not be able to move with the fish, such heavier gear may be necessary to avoid line breakage or spooling.
The only downside is that a kayak angler may be towed into a less desirable location during the fight. This may be into a channel with oncoming boat traffic, into swift current or even whitewater conditions, or into structure that may cause a fish to break off more easily or be hazardous to the paddler. So, always know your surroundings when fishing from a kayak, and always carry a knife, just in case you need to cut your line in an emergency situation.
So, you’re thinking, “I don’t catch fish big enough to tow me!” Well, honestly it doesn’t take a massive fish to be able to reposition a kayak. I have been towed by plenty of largemouth and smallmouth bass. And if you hook into a decent catfish, carp, or musky on the Susquehanna, hold on and enjoy the ride!
Paddle safe, and always wear your PFD!!!
John “Toast” Oast is the publisher of Susquehanna Fishing Magazine and a member of the Johnson Outdoors Pro Staff and Ocean Kayak Fishing Team. His kayak rigging videos have received thousands of views, and been linked to websites around the world. For more information, visit http://fishyaker.com/ and his Youtube page at http://www.youtube.com/fishyaker.
