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Ultimate Guide to Kayak Fishing
Fishermen are always scouting for the next strategy or trick that is going to help them take their fishing success to the next level.
One of the newer ways people are getting out on the water and catching more fish is through kayak fishing.
This type of fishing offers a wide array of benefits that will have you reeling in more fish in no time.
One of the biggest benefits you can receive from this style of fishing is the access you are opened up to when out on the water.
360 Degree Access
When you are fishing on the shore, you are limited to what is directly in front of you when going after fish.
When you are out on the water though, a kayak opens up 360 degrees of access to the water, allowing you to get to more and more spots where the fish are and reel them in.
You can also cover a lot more area in a kayak as it will travel long distances with minimal effort.
Cost Effective
If are trying to get out in the open water in a regular boat, your costs can quickly become very expensive depending on how often you are using it.
From filling up on gas, to the constant upkeep needed on them, boats can be a real money pit if not cared for correctly.
A kayak though, does not require gasoline and is specifically built to withstand many of the difficult conditions you will encounter when out on the water.
At fishingonline.com, we offer a wide range of different products that are perfect for setting you up to start kayak fishing.
From kayaks to rod holders to dry pouches, here are just a few of the many outstanding products we offer to help you get your kayak fishing adventures going.
Kayaks
For those just getting started in this style of fishing, getting the proper vessel is key to success.
One of the best available options on the market today is the Jackson Kayak Kraken.
This top of the line model provides you with everything needed to start this activity as it is ideal for those going out into open water.
Available in six different colors to choose from, this model provides you with plenty of ways to put your own personal touch on your boat.
With plenty of storage space and an ergonomic design that is ideal for multi day trips, this is the perfect model for anyone.
Rod Holder
Staying comfortable and relaxed is key to successful fishing, but you can't accomplish this by holding your rod the entire time.
For the kayak fisherman out on the water for prolonged periods of time, the Yak Attack Zooka Tube is the perfect addition to your setup.
This top of the line accessory mounts directly onto the deck of your kayak and can fit a wide variety of different spinning and casting rods.
Paddle
If you are kayak fishing, getting around the water effectively and efficiently is key to both your fishing success and your overall safety.
Investing in a quality paddle is a great addition to your setup and the Shoreline Marine Kayak Paddle is an outstanding all around model suited for anyone.
With the corrosion resistant aluminum shaft, high impact handle, and molded blades, this top of the line product is guaranteed to last you for many seasons to come.
Rod and Reel
Having quality fishing equipment is vital to your success on the water, and the Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcast Combo is ideal for any kayak fisherman.
For the most dedicated fishermen on the water, this is the perfect rod and reel combo that can stand up to the most intense conditions.
A double anodized aluminum spool, high end Power Disk drag system, and 24 ton graphite all come together to create one of the most lightweight and durable products available on the market today.
Anchor Kit
If you are going to be parking your kayak out on the water for awhile, having a quality anchor is key to getting the most out of your experience.
The Shoreline Marine Kayak Fishing Anchor Trolley Kit is ideal for any fisherman needing to stay in one spot and get the most access around them as possible.
A 1.5 pound anchor attached to 50 feet of anchor line provides you with everything you need to stay in one spot and rotate an entire 360 degrees so you won't miss a single spot out on the water.
Dry Pouch
When fishing in a vessel as small and as close to the water as a kayak, you are much more exposed to the water than in other scenarios.
Keeping your valuables dry and protected is a high priority, making the Shoreline Marine E-Reader Dry Pouch the perfect accessory for any kayak fisherman.
This dry pouch allows you to still use your phone through the case while still keeping it and everything else dry in its 100 percent weather and water resistant cover.
Fishing Life Jacket
No matter where you are fishing, safety is always the number one priority. If you are going to be out on the water, the Stohlquist Piseas PFD Fishing Life Jacket is a must have.
An ideal combination of function and comfort, this vest comes with dual side adjustments, open sides for ventilation, adjustable webbed shoulder straps, and much more.
This model even comes with plenty of storage space on the front so you can store anything you need in the convenient pockets.
- John Harley
Advantages to Fishing With Colored Lures
There are many heated debates in the fishing world as to what works and what doesn't.
From the type of bait you use to catch bass, where the best salmon fishing is in the northwest, to who really caught the biggest fish.
One of the more interesting topics of discussion over the past several years has been over the success of using colored lures.
Are fish really attracted to a more colorful lure? Or is it all just an urban legend and the fish will go for a lure no matter the color?
Fortunately, we have all the answers to your questions about fishing with colored lures.
Lighting
When it comes to fishing with colored lures, it may depend far less on the color of lure you are using, and more on the type of light you are fishing it when using a certain lure.
On a sunnier day, getting more reflection off the lure won't be very difficult and can help you a lot in the long run of the day.
On these outings where the sunlight is more prevalent, using a silver or gold lure is the best option for your fishing needs as the direct sun with reflect off and really make it shine, making it far more alluring the fish below the surface.
If you are out on a cloudy morning or afternoon, visibility isn't going to be as strong for the fish without the sun to shine off of the lure.
When you find yourself out on a day like this, utilizing a colored lure such as a bright blue or green. A more fluorescent option like these lures will be able to take advantage of the sunlight that it does catch.
Water Conditions
Unfortunately, the water you are fishing in isn't always going to be clear as day.
Fishing in murkier waters can be more difficult as it is tougher to see the fish moving around beneath the surface.
On days like this, it is crucial to let the lure do a lot of the work for you, so selecting the right one is key to your success.
When fishing in cloudy waters, a black lure is arguably the best option as it will stick out the most against the likely brown, green, or even reddish waters being created by dirt or clay on the lake or pond floor.
Algae is another species that can make it slightly more difficult to track fish beneath the surface, so contrasting the green is crucial to finding success.
If you are fishing in an area that is dominated by plant life, a two toned lure will help the fish notice the different against the algae a and murky water around them.
Follow a few of these simple tips and tricks and you will be catching fish in every water type and weather condition imaginable.
- John Harley
How to Catch Bigger Bass
Every fisherman is always going after that bigger catch, and bass are one of the most popular sport fish in the water. These fish can get quite large and reeling the bigger ones in is always a great accomplishment.
Just like fishing for any species, there are subtle tips and tricks you need to master in order to start hauling in the big ones. If you are trying to boost the size of your catch, here are some helpful hints you should follow along.
Finding the Right Spot
When it comes to bass fishing, the spawn beds typically attract a high volume of anglers and rightfully so. There will usually be a higher concentration of fish in these areas and in turn can help yield more bites on your line throughout the day.
If you are really trying to reel in the big fish though, avoiding these hot spots and moving toward the shoreline is a great alternative that can bring you very positive results in the long run.
Many large bass tend to hang out near the shore by the shallow, weeded areas and area perfect spot for an angler to pick a few of. By either skipping your bait right above their heads or just letting the line settle for several seconds, you can get the bass's attention and hopefully get them to attack it.
Finding a path that the bass are on is one of the biggest keys to hauling them in in droves. You may have to hunt around a lake or reservoir or river to find that spot, but when you are able to find that area that they frequent at a shallow to mid-range depth of 6-12 feet, you can be high successful in getting them to bite.
Using the Right Bait
Just as in all fishing, the proper bait can make all the difference when you are trying to reel in bigger game fish. An open faced spinning lure is typically going to be your best bet and best option to go for when trying to reel in these kind of bigger catches.
One of the best options to really try and get some high activity from the fish in the water is by opting for a buzzbait. Longer casts with this bait that you can either drag slowly through a hot spot or simple let sit there for a little while will give you some great opportunities to reel in some big fish in the long run.
Other quality bait options for those simply looking for large bass are swimbaits. While these will only last for a few bites before falling off, they are very attractive to the fish and can pay off greatly in the long run if used correctly.
Follow a few of these tips and tricks and you will be hauling in bigger bass in no time.
- John Harley
Kayak of the Month: Jackson Kayak Kilroy Realtree Edition
Having a high quality kayak is crucial for those who find themselves out on the water quite often. From comfort, styling, and performance, there are a plethora of elements that factor into selecting the right kayak for your needs.
At Fishing Online, we offer some of the best kayaks available on the market that will meet any and all of your needs. One of the best options today is the 2015 Jackson Kayak Realtree Edition Kilroy. This fantastic kayak, which makes its debut as our Kayak of the Month, is the ideal option for any hunter who is making their way on the water. From top to bottom, this is by far one of the best all around models you will find on the market today.
What is the Jackson Kayak Realtree Edition?
A classic sit-in kayak, the Jackson Kayak Realtree Edition is specifically designed to keep both you and all of your gear dry and easily accessible. The ideal combination of performance and style, you receive top of the line comfort and function in this outstanding kayak as storage is abundant.
Storage
Along with a very strategically designed layout for equipment, you also get a soft deck for extra storage space. For comfort, look no further than the outstanding patented Elite Seat 2.0. This seat also provides you with great storage in a pocket right underneath and a fantastic pouch behind it to provide you with room for all your important items.
For the real adventurer out there, this kayak also comes with a GoPro mount so you can document all your hunts and treks out on the water.
Style and Design
If style is what you are after in your top of the line kayak, this is the perfect option for any hunter out there as this outstanding kayak is complete with Max-5 graphics from CamoWraps to create the incredibly realistic camo finish on the outside of the kayak so you can easily blend in with all of your surroundings. This model also comes complete with a camo decoy bag and a camo seat cover that pulls over the seating position so you can keep it completely hidden when away.
Storage Continued
For the hunter that is carrying a large amount of equipment with them, this model features plenty of outstanding storage space for you to get around with no problem. A large storage pocket on the top of the line soft deck features enough space for the fitted blind system, ammunition, calls, headlamps, and whatever else you may need when venturing out on the water.
If you are looking for an outstanding all around kayak that can meet all of your needs for hunting, than look no further than this outstanding model.
- John Harley
Why Go Night Fishing?
While early in the morning is usually the most popular time of the day for fishermen to be hitting the water, another opportune time of the day to go is at night.
While this isn't necessarily a traditional method, there are many benefits to fishing after the sun has gone down.
Advantages of Night Fishing
Just like if you were to go fishing in a remote location, one of the biggest advantages of fishing at night is the decrease in boat traffic on the water. The less people out on the water going for the fish, the better chance you will have of reeling a few of them in.
Other than there being more fish available to you because of less boat traffic, the fish will likely be far less distracted. If you are the only one out on the water, the fish will not be as jumpy or distracted as they normally could be by the sounds and movements of multiple boats skimming along the water's edge.
Other advantages include the ability to cast and target better than during the middle of the day. The wind is typically down when the night arrives, making it much easier to hit your spots when you are casting on the water.
Disadvantages of Night Fishing
One of the most obvious disadvantages of fishing at night is the lack of light where you can spot fish swimming near the top of the water. Knowing where the traditional successful spots are on the water in the area you are fishing at is key if you are going at night.
A common question among many fisherman who are thinking of partaking in angling at night is whether or not fish can sleep. The simple answer to this question is yes. While it is not necessarily a deep sleep, it is a dozing that is deep enough to where they will not be biting or be as active as they typically are in the morning or even the afternoon.
What to Take for Night Fishing
Night fishing requires many different tactics and equipment that you would typically not use during the day time.
One of the most important things needed for successful night fishing is to have the proper lighting for your excursions. From trailer lights to navigational lights, these will all help you get around the water easier.
You should also be sure you have plenty of fuel and emergency supplies for your boat in case something does occur.
Follow some of these tips and tricks and you will be on your way to great night fishing!
- John Harley
Greatest Guide to Fishing With Streamers
One type of fishing that has truly grown in the past several years is a type of fly fishing known as streamer fishing. This method involved a much larger fly than the standard one and will utilize a fast action rod in order to get the best results out of your expeditions.
For the fisherman going after some larger trout, this is one of the best methods to catching more on the water. If you are wanting to get into streamer fishing, we have a few tips and tricks to getting you off on the right foot.
Equipment
Just like any traditional fishing excursion, having the right equipment is one of the biggest keys to success. While it is preferred that you have yourself a 6 or 7 fast action rod, you can also get away with a 3 to 5 weight rod as long as you are making the correct streamer pattern. The smaller the rod, the smaller the size of your streamer needs to be.
As far as your fly is concerned, streamer fishing is a great place where you can mix them up. From swapping out different sizes and colors throughout the day, you can find what works well on the fish and what doesn't. Don't be afraid to keep things versatile on the water when you are streamer fishing as this may lead to more success.
Casting
More than any other style, being patient when you are streamer fishing is one of the most important things to focus on. When you are casting, it is crucial that you let the line hang out in the water and let the fish investigate. Whether you hit your spot on the water or not, the worst thing you can do is pull your line out of the water too quickly. By doing this, you may spook the fish or pull it right before they were about to bite. By being patient and letting the fly sit in the water longer, you can greatly increase your chance of success.
Get Rid of the Leader
When you are streamer fishing, the first thing the fish needs to see is the fly itself, not the line or the leader. By simply using two or three feet of fluorocarbon, you can present the fly to the fish in the best way possible without having things like the leader around in the water to cause any unnecessary distractions.
Switch Up Your Tactics
As far as your casting and spot hitting is concerned, don't be afraid to switch up your methods and be more versatile. Throw the fly in at different angles or faster and slower to see if the fish react to different activities better or worse. This will allow you to find that successful niche and use it to your advantage.
- John Harley