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U.S. Patent #6871608
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Kayak
Fishing With Jeff McGovern
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What
to Carry on Board
A
kayak is not a bass boat, bay boat, or a flats boat when it comes to
hauling equipment. While a kayak can fill most boating roles,
space is limited-- so serious thought is needed as to what to
carry. You outfit your boat according to the needs you have
in your own fishing area. My fishing time is split between
saltwater and freshwater in Florida. The gear is similar, except
for the tackle changes normally associated between the two types of
fishing.
Safety gear is first. You need to be safe in
the water and there are some things that are mandatory and might be
required by law. A PFD or personal floatation device is very
important and should be worn at all times while in the kayak. A
whistle is required as a signaling device and should be carried on
board. Hat and sunglasses add protection and comfort from the
sun. Proper clothing, either rain suit or sun protection,
needs to be accessible for when the need arises. Fishing
gloves protect the hands from sunburn and can aid in the landing of
fish. Sun block should be worn at all times to protect the
skin. I prefer at least SPF 30 or higher. Foot wear needs
to be nonskid and of a type that can be worn in the water. Here
in Florida, shoes with a sturdy sole help prevent cuts and slashes from
oyster beds and shells. I also carry a sponge or towel to wipe my
hands after a fish, as well as to soak up any water I get into the boat.
You need some
way to secure your kayak while still fishing. An anchor or stake
out
pole is ideal for this. My preference is to use a small folding
anchor
on an anchor trolley rigged to the side of the kayak. If the
water is
shallow enough, in the W you can simply change your position on the
seat to pin the hulls to the bottom--a great method for stop and go
style flats fishing. In deeper water, a drift sock or small
bucket can
be used to slow down your drift. In addition to securing the
kayak at
times, you'll also need a place to keep the paddle out of the
way. You
can either place it across the cockpit, resting on the cockpit noodles
or on paddle hooks (as seen on the W website.)
Fishing tackle
needs a place to be kept out of the way until needed. A fishing
vest
with multiple pockets is fine for small terminal tackle and packages of
plastic baits. It also gives you a place to carry a small camera,
line
clippers, dehookers, and other small fishing tools. I use small
gear
reels or lanyards to keep the gear close at hand but out of the way
while fishing. Larger lures in tackle packs and other tools can
be
placed in a small plastic trashcan and slid under the deck on whichever
side is most convenient. A net is handy and a small one can be
kept
under the front deck opposite the side with the trash can.
Another
great tool for landing and controlling fishing at the boat is a pair of
fish grabbers.
I
keep drinks and snacks in a small soft cooler behind me in one of the
hull spaces. If fish are to be kept for dinner, they can be
stored in a cooler bag in a hull space as well.
Rods and reels are placed in the flush mount holders, if the W model
you have is equipped with them. My F2 has two holders, while my
standard W boat has a three-tube crate rig mounted on the deck behind
me. If I need extra rods, I use multi-piece pack rods stored
below the decks. Some folks like to troll while paddling and the
new Ram rod holders are ideal for this purpose.
Remember that, even
though space is limited compared to a powerboat, there is more than
enough room for a day of fishing in a kayak. It just takes a bit
of thought and planning.
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Editor's
note: Jeff's shoes seen here are size 15
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Photos:
Jeff McGovern
Copyright (C) Jeff McGovern, 2007
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Jeff
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