How to Land a Fish From a Kayak

As more and more people take up individual sports such as kayaking, some are taking it a step beyond just paddling and deciding to try to catch fish from their small water crafts. While fishing from kayaks offers anglers a number of benefits such as the ability to be extremely quiet on the water and to get into difficult-to-reach lakes and streams, the flip side is that it takes planning and concentration to land a fish from a kayak. After all, kayaks are close to the water, do not offer much space to move, and can be unstable. But if you decide to fish from a kayak, here is what you need to know to land fish from a kayak.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small net
• Life jacket
• Stringer
• Long fishing rod

How to Land Fish From a Kayak

1. Ensure your small net is within easy reach before you begin fishing. While you may not need it to land fish, it is better to have it nearby and not use it than to hook a fish and lose it because your net is stowed away.

2. Set the hook with a high swinging action.

3. Play the fish until you have brought it near the kayak. Take care to not horse the fish to the craft; a fish that is tired out is easier to land. Keep your rod tip high in the air, and the fishing line tight through the entire fight.

4. Hold your rod tip high with one hand and use your other hand to land the fish. If you choose to net the fish, place the net in the water and use your rod to guide the fish headfirst into it. If you choose to land the fish by hand, place your hand in the water with your palm pointed up. Guide the fish into your palm and cradle it by its belly.

5. Lift the fish into the kayak.

6. Remove the hook from the fish. Place the fish on a stringer if you want to keep it, otherwise let it go.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to set your rod and reel down, ensure that it will not fall into the water if you should lose your grip on the fish.
• Always wear a life jacket when fishing from a kayak. Make sure you have the proper licensing for your kayak, and for fishing.

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