Kayak Fishing for Beginners

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[00:00:04.44] I love fishing. And I love kayaking. I wish there was a way I could combine the two. But I don't know how. If only there was an expert that could show me.

[00:00:15.42] Hey, Mackenzie.

[00:00:16.74] Hey, registered Maine guide, Christi Holmes. What are you doing here?

[00:00:20.55] You asked me to come here to take you kayak fishing.

[00:00:23.04] Perfect. What a coincidence. Christi, tell the folks a little bit about yourself.

[00:00:27.90] I'm an outdoor writer. And I do hike the Appalachian Trail. I'm also a registered Maine guide. So I guess if it's outside, I'm in. And that includes kayak fishing.

[00:00:37.35] Perfect. So what do I need to know before I hit the water?

[00:00:40.56] Well, we should go over how to choose a boat, what kind of gear we should bring with us, and some tips and techniques for moving and casting on the water. Are you ready to go?

[00:00:50.34] Sounds easy enough! Let's do it!

[00:00:52.95] Awesome. So today, we're going to be fishing on a lake. But you can also fish rivers and even the ocean. But lakes are good for beginners because it's flat and calm.

[00:01:01.32] So how is this lovely fishing kayak different than the one I already own?

[00:01:04.89] Well, you can fish out of any kayak. But this is a great beginner kayak. It's wide, which makes it more stable. And it's got amenities like a built-in fishing rod holder, cup-holder, and a spot to put your paddle for when you're fishing. It also has a latch back here for extra gear.

[00:01:27.09] Got it. So, wide and stable. What else do I need?

[00:01:30.16] Well, for clothing, I like to wear clothes that are quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and have built-in sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, shoes you don't mind getting wet. And always wear your PFD. For gear, we've got our lures and tackle, tools like nips and forceps, a net, an anchor, and a first aid kit and a dry bag. And don't forget your phone and fishing license-- oh, and snacks, lots of snacks. Also, it's good to bring extra layers and any additional fishing gear.

[00:02:02.46] That's it?

[00:02:03.15] Yeah, that's it! Make sure all your gear is securely stowed. And I have a checklist. I like to double check I have everything because it's kind of a pain to come back to your car to grab something.

[00:02:14.28] Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go fishing!

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[00:02:20.72] OK, so we're out on the water. We're in our boats. We have our special gear. Now all we have to do is fish. So how do we do that?

[00:02:29.12] A couple of great benefits about fishing from a kayak are that you can get up into shallow water. And it's much quieter than a motorized boat. So we want to keep it quiet. And the biggest thing you want to avoid is banging your paddle on the side of the boat because if you scare off the fish, then you can't catch them. You can softly paddle with just the tip and gently glide around that way.

[00:02:57.86] Oh, that's much quieter. Speaking of lures, what should we be using?

[00:03:04.14] Well, today, we're fishing for bass-- so crank baits, jerk baits, poppers. I try to pare down my selection to just my favorites. I try to pack light, the most versatile lures because unlike a large boat, we don't have as much room-- so trying to keep the cockpit clear.

[00:03:24.14] Yeah, that makes sense.

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[00:03:29.16] OK, this is the part I was most anxious about. How do I cast without tipping over?

[00:03:34.95] Well, you can start with small casts as you get used to it. But the boat's going to move. It's designed to do that. Try to keep your waist loose. Eventually with more practice, you'll get better. And you'll get more comfortable. And you can even try standing up and casting. And I mean, eventually, it'll feel just like you're casting from shore.

[00:03:58.50] I think I'm going to stick with sitting for now. But you do you.

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[00:04:07.00] Ooh, I got one.

[00:04:08.10] Fish on, fish on! I'm coming.

[00:04:10.82] Oh!

[00:04:11.56] I'm coming.

[00:04:12.31] Get the net, get the net!

[00:04:15.81] What did you get?

[00:04:16.71] Got him. Whoa!

[00:04:18.36] It's a largemouth.

[00:04:19.62] She's a beaut. All right, cut to this. Look at this fish I caught. Should I let him go?

[00:04:25.80] Sure.

[00:04:26.91] All right, now I'm ready. Let's catch another one.

[00:04:28.29] Yep, now it's your turn.

[00:04:30.79] So once I do catch a fish, do you have any tips for how to reel it in?

[00:04:34.47] Try to remain calm. And lift your rod tip up to set the hook. And then just keep reeling. Keep pressure on the fish. If you had an anchor out, you'd want to avoid the anchor line with the fish.

[00:04:50.12] Fish on! OK--

[00:04:51.71] Yup, keep reeling.

[00:04:52.86] Stay calm.

[00:04:53.42] Stay calm, nice and steady. Grab your net.

[00:04:58.04] Here we go.

[00:04:59.18] Yep.

[00:05:00.53] OK.

[00:05:01.28] There you go!

[00:05:02.33] Does it have a black lateral line?

[00:05:04.58] It does, yeah.

[00:05:05.30] Then yep, that's a largemouth.

[00:05:06.86] Let me get a pic!

[00:05:07.76] Yeah, someone get this one-- real bragger here.

[00:05:10.29] Yeah!

[00:05:13.69] Wow, that was wicked easy!

[00:05:15.70] It is easy. You just need your kayak, some gear, and a little practice moving and casting on the water.

[00:05:23.03] Thanks for walking us through that, Christi-- or paddling us through it.

[00:05:28.72] No problem, McKenzie. I think I'm going to head back out. Do you want to come?

[00:05:32.95] Yeah, let's go! I think I'm going to catch a bigger one this time.

[00:05:37.52] Well, the bar is pretty low, so.

[00:05:40.30] If you're interested in kayak classes, trips, or tours near you, check out our Outdoor Discovery Program at llbean.com

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