By Rob Wendel
Kayak fishing began as a Do-It-Yourselfer’s dream. These plastic boats were just toys to paddle around in, but as anglers got a hold of them, they became platforms to mount homemade PVC rod holders, milk-crate tackle storage, and even modified trolling motors. The kayak fishing revolution is inspiring manufacturers to shift their focus from casual paddlers to serious anglers. Now the modern kayak fisherman has a wide variety of boats and specialized gear that rivals the most well rigged tournament boats on the water. Not only is the rigging better than ever, but the new boat designs are safer and more comfortable.
Comfort is a top priority among top manufacturers. Over-sized, fully adjustable seats are now the trend. Hobie Cat is leading the way in kayak innovation with their new Vantage seat that is available on the Pro Angler models. With just a quick turn of the armrests this seat can be adjusted to almost any position imaginable. The combined comfort and stability of the new small crafts make long days on the water an easy feat. Many new boats no longer need stabilizers in order to stand giving anglers a chance to cast from a high position or just stretch their legs from time to time. The Hobie Mirage drive also helps anglers propel themselves more efficiently and leavers their hands free to fish. Hobie also created the H-Bar to make it even easier for standing.
Tackle storage is also characteristic in new kayak design. The Hobie Pro Angler holds as much gear and tackle as many small power boats. For anglers like myself who need to bring the kitchen sink, it is the only way to go. Hobie’s new Pivoting Tackle Management System is a great way to store tackle in an easy to reach spot. The boat is also capable of carrying eight rods and reels with just the rod holders that are built into the hull.
In the “old” days, mounting fish finders raised many questions. To drill or not to drill? Where should the transducer go? Some new kayaks are made ready to mount fish locators. Ocean Kayak and Hobie use over-size scupper holes with mounts for transducers. The 2013 Hobie Pro Angler is fitted the Lowrance Ready System. The boat has waterproof cable plugs installed throughout the boat so fish finders can be wired without drilling holes in the hull. They also created a great battery holder that prevents the battery from sliding around inside the hull.
Kayak angling gear is evolving just as fast as the boats are. Companies such as YakAttack and YakGear specialize in kayak fishing accessories. Gear tracks are some of the most interesting accessories to emerge. YakAttack’s Gear Trac is compatible with adapters from Scotty Rod Holders and Ram Ball mounts so anglers can easily take accessories on and off as they please or just moving things around as the fishing may dictate. These tracks are just as strong as the mounting tracks used for salmon trolling so there are no issues with losing gear to big fish. Scotty’s Gear Track Adapters easily slide in and out of a track and will stay securely in place with a simple twist. They mount to a myriad of accessories with rod holders being the most popular.
There definitely is a rod holder to suit everyone’s needs. Scotty takes their rod holders seriously. They recently came out with the Rocket Launchers and Orcas. The Rocket Launchers are a classic tube style holder that do a great job of keeping rod handles out of the kayak and out to the side. This reduces clutter in the boat and spreads lines out just a little bit further while trolling. The Orcas locks rods in for security but will quickly release the rod into the anglers hands with a quick pull. This feature is especially nice for large rod and reels that are often cumbersome and tough to get out of other rod holders. All the rod holders are fully adjustable but for those who need extra precision Scotty Slip Discs and Offset gears allow anglers to fine tune their rod holders to the perfect position.
Finding the perfect position applies to more than just rod holders. Boat position is a vital aspect of the sport. Correctly anchoring a kayak requires more that the stereotypical rope and weight. In fact, anchoring a kayak the wrong way can land anglers in dangerous situations. Properly mounted anchor systems keep the anchor on the bow or stern while implemented. There are several options available including the new model specific to kayaks by Anchor Wizard. It’s made of a very durable cast aluminum that is capable of use in fresh and salt water. One of the Anchor Wizard’s great features is the way it stows away the anchor when not in use. When the anchor is pulled out of the water it slides into a tube so it will not swing and bang into the side of the boat. Many river anglers avoid anchoring due to hazardous objects carried by the current. If a log threatens to capsize the boat, simply turning the Anchor Wizard backwards will completely release the rope from the kayak to avoid flipping over.
Anchors are not the only boat control option for kayak anglers. The Park-n-Pole is Yakattack’s answer to the Minn-Kota Talon for shallow fishing situations. This simple yet effective tool works great as a stake out pole and a push pole for sneaking up to the spooky shallow water fish. On a recent trip to Door County the Park-n-Pole proved to be a very stealthy way to approach clear water small mouth. When combined with an anchor trolley it is a great way to stay in position.
Safety is always a concern in a kayak. Many boaters simply are not used to keeping their eye out for kayakers. There are many aids to help kayaks easier to see. Scotty and Yakattack make flag/light poles that really make a difference to boaters. The Visicarbon Pro is extremely convenient, compact, and strong. The pole actually collapses and stows away inside its own flag. It is designed to fit Scotty and Ram mounting systems so there is no excuse not to be safe on the water. Common sense is of course always the best tool a paddler has. All kayakers should assume they’re not seen, wear a life jacket and safety gear and be alert at all times.
As soaring fuel prices force more anglers to jump on the kayak bandwagon, manufacturers will continue to innovate and advance the sport. Whether you fish small waters or big waters there is a myriad of options that fit the needs of all anglers.
Rob Wendel is a 3rd generation fisherman, originally from Arlington Heights, IL. Since catching his first king salmon from kayak in 2005, Rob has fished almost exclusively from a kayak. He currently promotes the sport through teaching anglers how to fish from kayaks and is also a member of the Hobie Pro Kayak Fishing Team. You can visit Rob online at www.greatlakeskayakangler.com
