Kayak Fishing Tips

 
It takes a long time to become an expert in kayak fishing. The period of apprenticeship, which must be served in order to transform the novice into a veteran kayak angler can be discouraging and often runs into years.
 
About the nearest thing to a short cut is to have an old-timer take the first-timer under his wing and let the novice accompany him on kayak fishing trip. Kayak fishing is gradually making a name for itself in the industry. Its popularity is steadily creating sustainable gratifications aside from the fact that kayaks have long been used in fishing.
 
History has it that even in the early times; kayak fishing has long been the primary source of fish supply ranging from the “flatfish halibut” to other kinds of big fish. These activities, which happened from the mid 18th Century until the late part of it, were all noted by the Russian Orthodox priests. These turn of events are now known as “The Native History.”
 
From then on, kayak fishing continued to dominate the fishing industry, where once, people were doubtful if it could really aid the anglers to catch some fish. The steady feature brought about by its “sit-on” type has long been the primary characteristics of kayaks that made it an ideal fishing boat. However, with kayak fishing, the angler has to learn how to steady the kayak as he tries to paddle through the waters, in which it is considered as part of the whole process.
 
Therefore, for people who wish to know some tips about kayak fishing, here’s a list that may help them enjoy this tricky activity.
 
1. Safety first
Like any activity, it is necessary that before an individual plunges into action, he or she must first observe some safety measures and background checks to ensure security and protection against any imminent danger. The angler must check the weather condition, the tide, and other elements concerning kayaking.
 
2. Hatches should be closed at all times
The angler should always keep in mind that it is best to keep the hatches closed while fishing. Water can never seep through the kayak if the hatches are kept closed.
 
3. Steady fishing
When the angler is already in the midst of the waters, it is better to have an anchor to keep the kayak steady while on the verge of catching fish. Best of all, before an individual goes out to the waters, it would be better if he let somebody know his whereabouts. In this way, somebody will be able to keep track of your activity.
 
"Safety should always come first."
 
 

Different Types of Fishing Rod Holders for Kayaks

 

Fishing rod holders take the inconvenience out of fishing for a variety of reasons. For one it is a convenient storage device especially when one is in a kayak. Rather than holding the paddle in between the legs while fishing, a fishing rod holder stores the rod in place therefore enabling anyone to carry multiple rods or carry multiple paddles. It also makes trolling easy as a holder keeps the fishing rod in place as one travels to a number of fishing spots. Also, when unhooking a caught fish, rod holders keep the rod secure. More importantly, they help one catch more fish at the same time enabling a kayak look versatile and extremely well-designed.
 
Here are some tips that could prove helpful in order to determine the type of fishing rod holder one should purchase.
 
To attach or to not attach?
There are basically two types of fishing rod holders, one that could be attached to the exterior of the kayak and one that is put in the flush. Both have different functions and both work well accordingly. The choice all depends on what one prefers to use and how.
 
For those who prefer the unattached
The unattached type of fishing rod holder comes in two forms, the straight and the angled. Most kayaks use the angled form. When this type is used, one has a good chance of being able to stroll because the rods veer away from the kayak.
 
For those who prefer the attached
If the straight type is used, one is able to keep the fishing rod in the middle of the kayak and therefore works best in keeping the rod in storage. This straight type of fishing rod holder is good for the Tower and Cobra Navigator model of a kayak.
 
The home-made fishing rod holder
One could just as make his or her very own personalized fishing rod holder using common PVC. Or one could also start out by getting a milk crate and attaching it to a kayak with the use of straps.
 
The alternative type of fishing rod holder
There is another type of fishing rod holder that could be placed just above the kayak. These are usually tubes that are called RAM as well as Titelock. As the latter’s name implies, it locks the rod in place and usually consists of a male and a female part. This part difference allows the two to be separated. Manufacturers that generally make this type of fishing rod are Attwood, Scotty and Roberts.
 

Some Basic Facts about Fishing Gear

 
In fishing, it is very important to an angler’s success that he starts with the proper equipment. He may purchase or own the finest equipment in the world, but when it is assembled and put into use, it may prove to be a very decided handicap. To guard against this, it is important that the individual items of tackle be properly balanced one with the other. Unbalanced equipment has been responsible for more difficulties and failures of beginners than any other single factor.
 
Fishing Rod
To fish with a good rod is to really enjoy fishing. It is much easier to learn with a good rod than with one of an inferior quality. This is no commercial plug to encourage the sale of expensive rods, but just a word of warning to prevent any possible or unnecessary discouragement because of using a rod that would be decided handicap to a competent caster.
 
Fishing Lines
This item of fishing gear must be selected with some careful considerations if anglers are expecting to enjoy fishing or casting. This is because the size and weight of fishing lines made by various manufacturers are not entirely uniform, that is, the diameter of the line by one manufacturer may be slightly larger or smaller than a line by another manufacturer even though both bear the same size marking.
 
The Leader
The leader is also a very important item, and unless it is selected with care and consideration in comparison with the size of the line, the caster will have trouble in making it extend straight out from the line when casting. The chief function of the leader is to serve as an invisible connection between the line and the lure.
 
Fishing Flies or Lures
The flies may range in size, from the tiniest used, which might be number 18 or 20, up to flies tied on number-2 hooks or larger. The heavier flies or lures create; more wind is needed. It also requires the use of heavier equipment or more power on the part of the caster during the back cast and forward cast.
 
Reels
The reel may be automatic or single action, but in any event, it should be larger enough to hold the usual 30 yards of fishing line without crowding it on the reel spool. The reel should weigh from 1 ¼ to 1 ½ as much as the bare rod. The reel itself is of no specific use in casting or fishing except as a storage place for the line. Consequently, the entire equipment should always be in good condition. Other wise, achieving success in fishing is near impossible.
 
 

Preparing Freshly Caught Fish

 
To maintain the delicate flavor of a newly caught freshwater or saltwater fish, you must handle your catch properly to avoid spoilage, not to mention preserving the fish's unique flavor. There are ways to properly prepare and maintain the quality of your freshly caught fish, which will help to ensure you turn your fish into a sumptuous fishmeal that any fisherman would be proud to share with their friends and loved ones.
 
1) As soon as the fish lands avoid any contact with hard surfaces to prevent bruising. It should be washed immediately by hosing or bucket rinsing in order to remove the slime and possible bacteria that causes spoilage. Never use water from close proximity marinas or municipal or industrial discharges. To make sure, always use potable water instead.
 
2) Simply chill the fish to prevent deterioration in less than an hour. With a little advance planning, proper icing can be accomplished with the use of some relatively cheap equipment. Fish should be stored in coolers and should be well chilled. It should be 3" deep, thus, covering a pound of fish with about a pound of ice. Use chlorinated water per quart of water for the final rinsing.
 
3) Clean the fish as soon as possible. Their tissues are sterile but not their scales, which contain many types of bacteria. When cleaning fish, avoid rough treatment because wounds in the flesh can allow the spread of bacteria. Gutting the fish does not have to be necessarily long. It is wise to cut the belly, as it leaves no blood or viscera in the body. Make sure not to soak cleaned fish fillets in a prolonged freshwater as this could reduce the meat texture and flavor.
 
4) The eating quality and nutritional value of fish can be maintained up to 5 days if properly cleaned. Washing of the hands before touching the fish is also important. No matter what fish and the cooking technique used, one golden rule is to be followed always. Whether it is whole or not, cook exactly 10 minutes for every inch measured. 15 minutes should be allotted to fish enclosed in foil or sauce baked. Double the time for frozen fish.
 
Allow extra time if fish will be baked while packed in an aluminum foil and allow extra time for the penetration of the heat. That should be an additional 5 minutes for fresh fish and 10 for frozen. In thawing frozen fish, slowly thaw in the fridge for 24 hours or let the wrapped fish be run under cold water not at room temperature.