fishing kayak in water at sunrise

Kayak Fishing For Beginners | Winning Tips For Your Trip

Kayak fishing has seen a massive surge in popularity in recent years, and the reasons for this explosion in popularity make sense.

So, lets’ take a look at the benefits of fishing from a kayak and tips to help you make the most of your time on the water.

Surge In Kayak Fishing Popularity

One of the main reasons for the surge in anglers fishing from a kayak isaffordability.

While top-of-the-line fishing kayaks can cost several thousand dollars, they are still far more affordable than even a small bass boat or multi-species fishing boat.

kayak fishing at dawn

Fishing kayaks can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars for top-of-the-line models.

Another reason for this newfound popularity ismobility and accessibility.

Kayaks can be hauled by small trailers, by securing them to the roof of a vehicle, or in the box of a pickup truck. Anglers also do not need a large space to store a kayak compared to largerfishing vessels.

Being light and highly mobile, coupled with the fact that kayaks can go into very shallow water, means that anglers can access waterways that might not be accessible to large boats or do not have public boat ramps.

Kayaks made for fishing are a far cry from traditional kayak designs that most people are familiar with. Most fishing kayaks are built with wider beams, equating to better stability, allowing one to fish while comfortably standing.



Adaptability And Customization

Modern fishing kayaks also allow for high levels of customization, which translates to adaptability. This allows anglers to change their kayak setup based on water body type and target species.

Fishing kayaks allow for mountingGPS fish finders; some even have mounting options for trolling motor setups and battery compartments.

man holding bass in kayak

Kayaks allow for multiple options to fit your fishing situation, including baitwells, rod holders, storage areas, trolling motor mounts, etc.

There are also shallow anchor options similar to those used on bass boats today, consisting of stakes, so that you can anchor your kayak in shallow water environments despite wind and current.

Fishing kayaks also come with small baitwell options, multiple rod holder options, and ample storage to houseeverything an angler needs.


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Kayak Fishing For Beginners | Tips and Tactics

Now that we have taken a look at the reasons for the surge in popularity among anglers let’s now take a look at somefishing tips and tacticsso you can learn how to fish from a kayak!



Pick The Right Days To Fish

Kayaks are light and small, making things difficult on windy days or on bodies of water with heavy currents.

Wind can make fishing very inefficient when done from a kayak, and you will likely struggle to hold a position on fish-holding spots, along with the kayak rotating and making it difficult to maintain position.



High waves due to wind can also be a safety concern, along with making it difficult to do anyprecision casting.

尽量选择天你打算鱼由monitoring the weather forecast. This will not only allow you to enjoy your time on the water as everything is easier, but it will also help prevent accidents from occurring while kayak fishing.



Lure Selection

Lure selection for kayak fishing should be simple, with highly effective lure choices that combine search baits and finesse baits.

striped bass in kayak

Bring your confidence lures with you on your kayak fishing trip. Focus on lures that will allow you to cover the body of water you are fishing quickly.

Lures like spinnerbaits,topwater, inline spinners, and crankbaits are great for covering water quickly. In addition,lures like jigs, soft plastics, and jerkbaits are great for picking apart an area after you make contact with fish using search baits.

Your storage space in a kayak is a fraction of what it is in a fishing boat, so bring onlythe essential luresand your confidence lures that you know will work in most fishing conditions.



Pick a Few Rods

Havingonly one rodmight seem like a good idea due to your small vessel, but it’s actually the opposite of a good idea for a one major reason.

Fishing with one rod means you will be tying on different lures while developing a pattern or searching for fish, andtying lureson all the time is much more tedious in a kayak.



Instead of using only one fishing rod, bring 3 to 4 rods with you, and have each one rigged up with a different lure type, such as a topwater, jig, spinnerbait, and crankbait.

有多个棒操纵不同的条件ns will make your time on the water incredibly efficient and allow you to focus more on fishing than tying lures onyour lineor digging for gear.



How To Land A Fish From A Kayak

Landing fish is quite different when done in a kayak, and you can’t just lean over willy-nilly to grab a fish.

two men fishing from kayak

Being on the water is a great experience, but you probably don’t want to go IN the water when kayak fishing, so use these tips when landing fish from a kayak..

When attempting to land a fish, you should make sure you reel the fish closer to your rod tip than you normally would, with the length of line equivalent to your arm’s length if you intend to hand-land the fish.

For mid-sized fish species like bass, pike,and walleye, a short-handled net might be the best approach, and there are some great nets out there today that cater to kayak fishing enthusiasts out there.

Forlarger fish like muskiesor saltwater species, things can get very interesting when attempting to land the fish, and if a net isn’t possible, consider using a tool like a Boga grip.



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You will also want to have all release tools needed, such as needlenose pliers, jaw spreaders,and hookcutters, within reach at all times to make the release of the fish quick and safe.



Safety First

When fishing from a kayak, a life preserver should be non-negotiable. Life preservers today are far from the bulky and uncomfortable life jackets of decades passed, so wearing one is a non-issue.

It would also be wise to let a friend of family member know where you plan a kayak fishing trip, and when you plan on getting home.

A First aid kit and signaling tool like a flare gun are also good ideas, mainly when fishing far from shore, or when saltwater fishing.

Keep your phone fully charged and in a waterproof case if you need to make an emergency call.


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Final Thoughts On Kayak Fishing For Beginners

Though it will take time to adapt, fishing froma kayak can be very rewarding, and it’s easy to see why many anglers are doing it either on a limited basis, or full-time.

With time on the water, you will find that it is far more productive than you might think and that the pros can definitely outweigh the cons.

boat storage outdoors

Boat Storage Ideas | Tips For Any Weather

Having a boat can be fun and exciting, especially if you think about the vast number of things you can do with it.

Your boat can be a place to host your social gatherings, an avenue to fun and recreational activities for everyone’s enjoyment, or simply serve as a place to relax after a hectic work weekday.

船护理时,应适当的存储be on top of your priority list. Even if you bring your boat for regular maintenance, if you don’t keep it in its best storage area, you’ll only be exposing it to harmful environmental factors.

With the benefits that a boat provides for you, as well as the associated cost, it’s only practical if you can take good care of it, so that it’ll last for years.

To help you out, listed below are some boat storage ideas that’ll work well in any kind of weather:

Outdoor Boat Storage

When it comes to outdoor storage, you can certainly choose to store it in your yard or nearby open lot.

However, to help protect your boat from the elements, you should enclose it properly using a boat cover or adurable RV & boat enclosure.

weather port boat storage

A durable boat storage enclosure can help keep your priced watercraft safe from the elements.

An RV and boat enclosure allows you to get the benefits of indoor storage without building a facility.

In addition, they’re also compact and easy to assemble, making the boat storing process a breeze.

This will ensure that your investment will be safe from harsh weather conditions.




Indoor Boat Storage

Of course, if you’re looking for the best and safest way to store your boat in any weather conditions, indoor storage would be the best option.

This way, you can properly enclose your boat, keeping it away from any environmental factors affecting its quality and reliability.

indoor boat storage facility

Storing your boat indoors is optimal, especially for the winter months, however, cost cant be a hindrance, as well as lack of available storage, if renting space.



Finding available rental space for storing your boat indoors can sometimes be a challenge. High cost can also be a hindrance.

Indoor storage on yourownproperty allows you to keep a close eye on your boat and have quick access to it so that you can further protect it when needed, especially during the winter months.

Yet, this might not be everyone’s first choice, especially since it could require a significant amount of space and could be a large expenditure if you have to build a building. And, of course, you may not have this amount of space on your property.


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Boat Storage Facility

If you’d like to keep your boats indoors but don’t have enough space on your property, you might want to consider renting space at a boat storage facility.

Boat storage facilities allow you to have all the benefits of storing your boat indoors without having to worry about having enough space at your residence.

outdoor boat storage facility

一艘船储存设施是一个不错的选择ion, but if there is not one near you, it may be inconvenient to travel just to check on your boat.



The potential downside to using a boat storage facility is that, depending on your location, it could be a long way from your home. So, if it’s a long way from where you live, having to drive long distances to check on your boat could be rather inconvenient.


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Boat Lift

If you have your own pier to park your boat, you might want to consider storing your boat on a lift and free yourself from worrying about the storage of your boat elsewhere.

boat lift for storing boat

A boat lift will allow you to store your boat without having to remove it from its waterfront location.

虽然它可能似乎不是一个坏主意保持boat in the water year ’round (it’s made to float in water, right?), it actually can cause slime buildup, staining and other expensive damage caused by the water.

A boat lift allows you to keep your boat where it is located, thus not having to worry about renting a boat storage facility.



But, if you decide to go with a boat lift, you’ll need to be sure youwinterproof your boat, including making sure to drain any onboard water as well as ensuring that the proper antifreeze is present in the engine.

If you don’t have time towinterize your own boat, you may want to consider hiring a professional that can winterize the boat for you, saving yourself time time and energy and allowing you to store your boat more easily.



Tips To Store Your Boat

You don’t expect everything to be easy peasy when storing your boat. You need to be prepared to encounter plenty of challenges in keeping them safe and secure. Below are some tips to help you.

  • Book A Full-Service Boat Haul

Of course, a boat is generally heavy, and storing them can really be tricky. So, as you look to book a boat haul to put your boat out of the water, you might want to consider getting a full service to inspect and ensure that your boat receives any necessary maintenance and repairs, so that your boat will be prepared for winter weather.

  • Winterize Your Boat

If you’re storing your boat for the winter after using it forfun activities like fishing, it’s very important that you winterize it to prevent it from getting damaged.

Since winter often involves freezing temperatures, any water can freeze, causing cracks.

Winterizing your boat means preparing your boat for winter by replacing the engine fuel, draining the water, and protecting internal components.

So, regardless of whether you are going to be storing your boat indoors our outdoors, you should winterproof your boat first!



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  • Remove Your Belongings

No matter which storage option you choose for your boat, it’s important that you remove your loose items and keep them away from them.

fishing rods in a row

Be sure to remove all items from your boat before storing for the winter. Fishing rods, navigation equipment and personal items included.

While you might not be worried about someone stealing your belongings during the winter, leaving items in your boat could lead to musty smells and rot, which could cause damage to your boat.

Ideally, you should remove all your personal belongings, including life vests,fishing rods and tackle, andelectronic navigation equipment(to ensure that the winter temperatures won’t damage its components).



Final Thoughts On Boat Storage

Storing your boat can really be tricky, especially if winter is approaching. While the ideas above are suitable for any weather and season, looking for the best option for wintertime that fits your scenario and budget should be on top of your boat to-do list!

Whichever option you choose, be sure you secure your boat well, winterize it and remove any belongings in the boat.

This will help keep your boat in its best condition for as long as possible, so you can continue to enjoy the water andmeet like-minded boat loversin the coming years.

bass at night

Tips For Night Fishing For Bass | Know Before You Go

When it comes to fishing, the tug on the other end of that line can be a rush like no other.

It’s also a great way to find some much-needed solitude.

But, maybe you want to take the challenge of fishing to a whole new level and of solitude?

Well, then there’snightfishing.

lake at dusk

Looking for a new challenge to bass fishing? The sun going down doesn’t have to be the end of the bass fishing…. How about trying fishing for them at night!

Night fishing can be a great way to get away from the crowds and find and even more peaceful setting than daytime fishing offers.

And, what better freshwater species to night fish for thanAmerica’s most popular freshwater species… bass!

Night fishing for bass can be difficult for inexperienced and beginner anglers. Let’s cover several tips to help you make the most of your night fishing trips for bass.

Bring The Right Equipment

Bass can be a challenging fish to catch, and especially at night. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you bring the right fishing tools when you head out for a night fishing trip.

Get a good-quality fishing rodand reel. Bass are known for being strong fighters, so you’ll need a rod to handle their weight and power.

man holding bass at night

Whether day or night, you want to land the fish! Having a smooth drag on your bass fishing rod is helpful in avoiding line breaks from things you may not be able to see as well when casting/reeling. (photo credit: Blake Jackson)

Since you’ll be fishing in low light conditions,you’ll want a reelwith a smooth drag system to avoid any line breaks.

A baitcasting reelcan be a good option for night fishing, as it will give you more accuracy when casting. Spinning reels can also be used, but your casting accuracy may be decreased.


It may seem obvious, but lighting is a must for doing bass night fighting. For starters, a high-qualityrechargeable flashlightis essential for seeing your lure and line and spotting any fish that may be lurking in the shadows. Another good lighting option is a headlamp as it frees up your hands and allows you to move around more easily.


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There are a few other helpful tools you can take on your night fishing adventure. A pair of pliers or sharputility knivesis another must-have, as they come in handy for removing hooks from fish mouths and cutting lines.



Pick An Optimal Fishing Spot

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of reeling in a big one under the stars. However, finding the right spot to fish at night can also be challenging. Here are a few tips to help you choose an optimal fishing spot when night fishing for bass:

  • Look for areas with lots of structure, such as docks, piers, and submerged logs or rocks. Bass love to hide in these areas.
  • Scout for areas withplenty of baitfish. Bass are predators, so they’ll be inclined to spend time in areas where there’s plenty of food.
  • Avoid locations with high boat traffic, as the noise can scare fish away.
  • In windy conditions, bass may chase baitfish into calmer, protected areas. However always use extreme caution if fishing in windy conditions from a boat,especiallyin the dark. If there are high winds, it may be best to stay home.


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Choose The Right Light

Suppose you want to increase your chances of success when night fishing for bass. It’s essential to pick theappropriate light device. Many anglers use a powerful spotlight to illuminate the water, but this can have a negative effect on your catch rate. The bright light can scare off fish, making it difficult to see your line.

A better option is to use a dim red light. This will allow you to see just enough to keep track of your line without disturbing the fish.

night fishing boat with red and green leds

Night fishing LED lights can help your line/lure glow (photo credit: Bill Walker)

You can also try using a black lights or night fishing LEDsfor your boat, which will cause your lure as well as monofilament line to glow in the dark, helping you attract fish without a bright light.

Whichever light you choose, make sure you keep it on a low illumination setting, so as not to scare away the fish.



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Fish Under The “Right” Weather Conditions

Night fishing for bass can be incredibly productive if the conditions are right.

Fish are notoriously sensitive to changes in barometric pressure. They tend to bite best when the pressure is falling. So, just before a front moves through can really get the fish feeding.

storm on lake

A falling barometer often puts fish into feeding mode. So, the “right” weather for your night fishing trip could be right before a front moves in.

Stable barometric pressure can also produce good results, while high barometric pressure is less desirable.

High winds can create waves that make it challenging to keep your boat stable. Low light/darkness compounds the risk. So, if there are high winds, consider staying at home.





Use The Correct Kind Of Lure

When it comes to night fishing for bass, it’s essential to use the right kind of lure. Of course,live bait like shadare always a good option.

Artificial lures that mimic the appearance and movement of small fish or insects can be effective as well.

One type of lure that can be particularly effective for night fishing is ajigging spoon. Jigging spoons are designed for swimming in a jerky motion that imitates the movements of a wounded baitfish.



buzzbait topwater bass lure

Buzz baits, large plastic worms and jigging spoons can all be good options to try when night fishing for bass.

Another good option is a swimming minnow lure, which can be worked similarly to create a lifelike presentation.

Darker lures can create a more defined outline against the light of a night sky. Also, lures with glitter or reflective material can be beneficial in giving a lure a life-like reflection from a moonlit sky.

Large plastic worms and buzz baits can also be a good choice for night fishing as well.



Stay Focused

With the darkness of the night adding another challenging component to bass fishing, it’s a must to always have a good head on your shoulders. So, avoid distractions and stay focused and safe from the minute the boat goes in the water until you get home.

boat ramp at night

Darkness can create a whole new set of challenges when navigating the waters. Always stay focused!

Don’t let your mind wander while you’re waiting for that next bite. Keep a laser-target focus on your line to spot signs that a bass has taken bait/lure so you can put a hook N1!



Final Thoughts On Nighttime Bass Fishing

Night fishing for bass can be a great way to catch big bass. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of success.

Fishing is also about learning, so be sure to check with anglers in your area to get any tips you can regarding fishing local waters. Advice from locals can be invaluable and save you tons of time figuring out what someone with experience in that area may be able to tell you.

We hope youput a hook N1!