Why Kayak Fishing?

Unless you’re from another planet you will have noticed the increasing number of people fishing from kayaks.  If you’re already into it you will know all the benefits, but if not allow me to outline why this sport is attracting many new participants each year. 

• Cost - kayaks represent the cheapest way for you and your friends to get out on the water to access those spots you can’t get to with even the longest cast, and they also make it easier to get your rigs and lures back when you get snagged.

• A kayak will open up infinite adventures to previously land-based anglers. You can target anything from the traditional rivers and lakes inland, traverse wide estuaries along the coast, and even hit inshore headlands and reefs...and everything in between. 

• Add in the fact that there is literally zero maintenance and on-going cost like fuel, batteries and rego and you’ll find your well ahead of a small powered boat on the finance front.

• But even for families with bigger boats, like me, kayak fishing also has a habit of leading you to places where others can’t cast. Think sections of freshwater creeks or estuaries that boats and hikers can’t access and the resident fish you’ll find are typically much bigger and easier to catch.

• Then there’s kayak or electric--powered only waterways that are opening up around Australia (which all started at my beloved Googong Dam near Canberra).  And what about a sheltered beach launch to fish a protected headland for snapper all while no boats can get there because it’s too far and rough from the nearest ramp? These spots often yield good fish for the simply because others can’t get to them!

Then there’s the stealth factor.  If you sneak up on fish in a kayak as opposed to a bigger boat, there is no question…. the fish are less likely to know you are there and more likely to bite better for longer.  It’s been proven in all the above scenarios and more, time and time again, and I find more scenarios where this is true all the time.

Advancements in technology have been paramount in making kayak fishing suitable to more people in more situations.  It’s no secret that many anglers are big fans of Hobie Kayaks, their unique leg driven mirage drive brought about the world’s fastest propulsion with minimal effort but more importantly it has left us anglers with our hands free to tie on lures, cast and fight fish.

You need only look at the pictures here abouts and you will see just how many environs and fish species this Mirage drive has allowed my friends and I to enjoy.  Furthermore, Hobie have a massive range from little car-top single kayaks to big 17 foot long tandems that can take two adults and a load of gear.  There’s even inflatable’s with mirage drives that pack up into a suit cased sized roller bag.  And to top things off, Hobie staff are properly trained at helping you choose which yak is going to suit best now and into the future.  I note that all my Hobies have held most of their value quite well, even the non mirage drive models, so I’ve been able to change them as my needs change.  That’s a big plus.

You can also get brilliant accessories like sounders, biminis, camera mounts, live wells, bars to hold onto when you’re standing up, sails, and so much more.  Personally, I like to add these things in as I go...they are like little treats that enhance the overall experience.

For many health and fitness is a big part of Kayak Fishing.  At the end of a session you will have burnt countless calories without even realizing because you are too busy enjoying the fishing and the backdrop.  Not to mention that getting the blood pumping around your body without over exerting it is a proven way of staying healthy and happy – kayak fishing fits this bill perfectly.

In addition to doing something good for yourself, the quite non-polluting aspect of kayaking also helps to look after mother nature and also means you feel yet further away from the stress and noise of the modern world and more connected with the environment.

For the more competitive types, there are superbly well-run events that not only teach you more about your fav fish, they can lead you all the way to the Hobie World Championships.

Then there’s the challenge of those PB’s you are targeting with family or mates, like a 50cm bream, a ten pound trout, or a meter plus Murray Cod.  To catch any of the ‘benchmark’ fish from a kayak is to have experienced them in the best possible way.

I hope you enjoy some of the pictures showing a few of the most memorable adventures my friends and I have had.  But more importantly win lose or draw we always come home with that ‘super healthy feeling’ that kayak anglers get to enjoy every outing.