Where to Keep Fish on a Kayak

Kayak fishing has more advantages than traditional boat fishing. Kayaks make less noise, access more locations, make smaller shadows but have limited space. You must be wondering where to keep fish on a kayak. The storing place depends on the nature of your kayak, it can be the hatch or deck or even a floating cooler!

Using Stringers

This is the oldest and most effective way of keeping fish fresh in kayaks. They are lightweight and can hold the fish through the gills to place them in the water. But it may attract predators and the temperature may be too warm to keep fishes fresh.

Storing Nets

They are another great way to keep fish secured. But you have to kill them first. Nets can be hung off the kayak side or back into the water. Coldwater can keep the fish fresh for a certain time, but it is not recommended to use in warmer weather.

Hard Catch Coolers

The robust design allows it to fit in the storage kayak spaces. Straps can securely hold it into the tank wells. Anglers can fill them with ice to keep the fish fresh. The height of hard coolers should be balanced enough not to get in the way of angling.

Soft Catch Coolers

The catch coolers are lightweight and adaptable. The structure allows it to fit in various shapes and kayak sizes. They generally do not have similar cooling efficiency as hard coolers. Soft coolers are designed for portability and flexibility.

Kayak Hatches

All fishing kayaks have hatches that can store small fish. As the hatches are not insulated, anglers can put frozen water bottles. It is recommended to store fish in hatches for a short time.

Waterproof Deck Bags

If there is limited space for putting catch coolers, you can use a deck bag. They are also short-term alternatives. Put some ice blocks into the bag for keeping the fish fresh. Also, you can use plastic or zip lock bags with ice-block to keep the fish smell away.

Kayak Tank Well

They offer storing spaces for larger catches. This saves anglers from dragging their fishes beneath the kayak. But it is also another short-term alternative. Anglers must use catch coolers that fit their tank well to keep fish fresh longer.

Insulated Bags for Grocery

They are quite affordable and provides similar insulation as soft coolers. Anglers can put frozen water bottles inside to keep fish fresh. However, they are not waterproof and may get fish wet and soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do stringers keep fish fresh in warm water?

A. It is hard to keep the fish fresh in the water above 50 degrees. You can store them on a stringer for about an hour before they start decaying.

Q. What is the place of coolers?

A. For sit-on-top kayaks, you can use the flat deck space. For sit-in fishing kayaks, you can put soft coolers in the cargo space between your feet.

Final Remark-

Kayak fishing is a wonderful experience. You can also enjoy a delicious meal with caught fish after the sport. But all the hard works can fail, if the fishes lose flavour and become soft. This is why you need to invest in a good cooler bag to save the tastiest fish.