Most of the time, fishermen use this technique while standing in the water, but can you do it on a kayak? Hell yeah, you can!
For those who don’t already know, fly fishing is a type of angling that uses an artificial fly or other bug to catch fish. It lets the artificial flying insect land on the surface of the water instead of having bait that needs to sit further down with a weight attached.
This type of fishing can be a truly enjoyable experience when you’re on your kayak. These boats are light and slender, which allows them to reach areas others can’t get to by foot. There’s also more technology these days to fit onto a kayak that will allow you to locate the right spots to fly fish in more easily.
Please note that I don’t advise any type of fishing unless you’re a decent kayaker or have someone knowledgeable with you. I’ve gone fly fishing on my kayak with my cousins a few times and it’s a LOT of fun, given that you take precautions into consideration.
What Are The Advantages Of Fly Fishing From A Kayak?
There are many advantages to using a kayak for fly fishing, one of them being portability. The boats are lightweight, so you can take them practically anywhere you want to go fishing. You can reach more shallow waters that regular boats cannot.
Along with portability, kayaks also offer stability with their low center of gravity and a wider base. This provides a more comfortable casting platform which is better for accuracy when you’re casting your line. Kayaks are also quiet, so you can really sneak into the fishing area virtually unnoticed (this is one truly awesome thing I love about fly fishing from my kayak).
What Gear Do You Need To Accomplish This?
From experience, let me say that it’s a good idea to have a nice, quality fishing kayak because they are built specifically for that purpose. They’ll have extra built-in compartments to store tackle and fish in, more comfortable and stable seating for longer trips, rod holders and other accessories like GPS and fish finder radars. Trust me, the room is necessary!
You’ll need the right rod and reel for this particular style of fishing. A lightweight one is best for handling, but it should also be able to land bigger fish. Also, you should have a nice selection of artificial insect lures for different species of fish.
Finding The Right Spot To Go Fly Fishing On A Kayak
If the water current is too strong, you probably won’t be able to cast effectively while controlling your kayak. You’ll want a slower current or water that’s not moving at all so that you can focus on your casting technique without having to worry about what the boat is doing.
If you’re out on the ocean or inlet, look for sheltered spots or coves that will protect you from the wind and waves. Casting will be easier and it will be shaded in case the sunlight is too strong. Also, fish like to gather in these spots that contain rocks, logs, vegetation, etc.
Pay attention to the wildlife activity. Birds will dive into the water whenever there’s tons of fish around. This could help you find them if you don’t have a fish finder on your kayak.
Safety Tips
Safety should always be your first priority, whether you’re fly fishing or just kayaking for fun or exercise. Here are a few tips to help keep you safe while kayak fly fishing.
1. Wear a PFD (personal flotation device), an essential safety item for any angler who plans on being in the water. It will help you stay afloat if you accidentally fall overboard, thus saving your life, especially if you are unconscious for some reason.
2. Check the weather before you go fishing. You won’t have a good time if the weather is extreme, and you probably won’t have much luck getting any fish either. They might be scared of the rain on the water or loud sounds.
3. Make sure that you observe your surroundings throughout your fishing trip. When you’re fishing from a kayak, other boats may not see you well, especially in worse weather. In foggy or rainy weather, you could attach a flag to your kayak to let others know you are there.
4. Have a plan in place in case there’s an emergency. Tell others where you’re going so they will know where to look for you if anything should happen. Take your phone so you can call for help if you’re able to. Having a first aid kit on board wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
Final Thoughts
Fly fishing from a kayak can be a ton of fun if you take some considerations into account and follow some basic safety tips. Take the time to also learn some different ways to cast when fly fishing for more success.
Using a wider kayak would be ideal, since most fly fishermen like to stand when they’re casting. Fly fishing from a kayak might take some getting used to, but it’ll be worth it in the end.
