How to Fly Fish From a Kayak: 5 Essential Tips
Fishing kayaks are getting popular among conventional anglers. For fly anglers, the fishing vessel can be challenging. But given the advantages of fly fishing from a kayak, more fly anglers are choosing this platform.
Angler must consider the right kayak size, anchor options, storage management, and so on. We have explained everything involved with this sport in our present guide on how to fly fish from a kayak.
Choose the Right Kayak Type
All fishing kayaks do not meet the unique needs of fly fishing. So, when choosing the kayak, consider a length of 12-14 feet with the width of 30'' at least. Most fishing kayaks are stable enough for stand-up angling because of their hull design. It is recommended to add a stand-assist strap to help pull yourself up when changing positions.
Rod Holders & Anchors
You can make your rod holders using a PVC pipe to hold the rods on either kayak side. You can use U-Clamps to attach the PVC pipe to the kayak. Any rod and reel combo can be bought too.
Attaching an anchor can prevent the fishing vessel from floating around. There are various options, but you have to select a lightweight anchor weighing a maximum of 3.5 pounds.
Clean Workspace and Organized Line
It is important to have a clean workspace when fly fishing to avoid tangling. Because of limited storage space, kayak fishing can become very messy. So, anglers must reduce clutters to prevent weighing down and exceeding the weight limit.
Tangled lines can also cause accidents. So, anglers can use a basket for holding the line properly. You must calculate the needed line before going into the water and keep it in a spiral into the basket.
Working with Started Combo
Buying too much gear is a common problem with beginner anglers. It is recommended to get a starter kit for avoiding the issue. A starter kit consists of basic equipment like rods, bait, weights, carrying bags and so on. They are also budget-friendly and comes with instructions.
In fly fishing, the bait is a top requirement. Fly fishing usually catch fishes near the water surface that eat worms and small insects. Consider the fishes you want to catch and select your bait.
Weights and Back-casting
You need to consider the bottom of the fishing location to choose your weight. Sandy bottoms need weights that do not roll around. Muddy bottoms need sharp sinkers to stick to the bottom.
The attached pole or line must have the right weight as well. To improve the fly-fishing skills, back-cast is necessary. Anglers must use a high back-cast to increase the distance of the forward cast. Watch the weight when throwing a line from high over the shoulder.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the right time for fly fish?
A. You can succeed more if you fly fish during dusk and dawn. Also, there are more fish in warm water because they leave cold places.
Q. What is the correct casting distance?
A. It is not possible to see over 30 feet. So, casting your line between 15-20 feet is ideal.
Final Remarks
Fly fishing on a kayak is exhilarating and you have to be still. Anglers have to watch the back-cast, use anchors, and enjoy the angling experience. It is important to always wear a floating device when kayaking to stay afloat. You can also carry a signal, spray skirt, and whistle.