Thinking about taking up kayak bass fishing

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by SammamishYak on March 28, 2013 at 11:38am

I have been bass fishing out of my Native Ultimate 14.5' kayak for 3 years. I absolutely love it, and it’s one of the few kayaks on the market you can actually stand up in, (though I rarely find myself doing it). The exercise has helped kick me into great shape too.

I think there is really only a few kayak guys on here, so it would be nice to see more. If there was enough of us, we could try to do our own tournaments / events.

Kayaks are fun to customize and rig. I am working on adding a side-imaging fish finder, trolling motor, and some other toys before this next season really kicks in.

Check out the link below, Its one of the better rigged boats I have seen, and I have been using it for some inspiration for my build.

http://www.nativeownersgroup.com/showthread.php?13983-My-14.5-Nativ...

 

I would be happy to answer any questions you have, feel free to ping me a message.  

 

Attachments:

• JaldersonKayak.jpg, 170 KB

Permalink Reply by Larrick on March 28, 2013 at 1:50pm

Hey thanks. That is a nice yak. I am suppose to get a book in the mail called "Kayak Bass Fishing". I'll read it and see if it will spark my interest more. I have a float tube now but I only use it in ponds more or less. Bigger lakes make me nervous in that thing but if I had a yak I would be more inclined to try bigger waterways.

If I was to buy a yak I would no doubt put a fish finder on it even one of those fishing buddy type would be better than nothing. I'll pm you if I have any more questions.

Permalink Reply by Tag Watson on March 28, 2013 at 3:37pm

Hey Larrick,

I have a nice fishing kayak that I haven't taken out in several years and I only took it out a few times.  However, it was a lot of fun and I caught some nice fish.  Would love to get out there with you.  I know some excellent bodies of water that hold quality bass in Whatcom and Skagit Counties that would be perfect for yak-fishing that I've been wanting to hit for years.  Let me know if you end up picking up a fishing kayak and we'll get out this season.

Take care,

Tag 

Permalink Reply by P.J. Koshi on March 29, 2013 at 7:20pm

Larrick there are some very nice and stable kayaks out there.  I have seen some of the larger fishing models out in the bay salmon fishing in the Puget Sound.  The Mirage is a stealthy little kayak and I thought about getting one a while ago, but I ended up getting a bass hunters pond boat instead.  Good luck on your yaking if you take it up! 

Permalink Reply by Zack B on April 8, 2013 at 2:16pm

Bass fishing from a kayak is great, I have been doing it for 2 years. I never used a kayak once in my life before getting one. I have a pedal-powered fishing kayak. I did not want to try and use a big kayak paddle with a rod at the same time, but I cannot say what that is like.

Pedal kayaks are expensive as hell (around $2 grand), and I was worried I was going to not like it, but I love it. I was inspired by the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12, and almost got one, but ended up choosing a Native Watercraft Mariner 12.5. It has a propeller instead of a flapping wing drive.

Kayaks are very easy to store (I use the garage or side of the house) and transport (I have a roof rack on my Mercury Sable) and portage (mine has a detachable wheel thingy). All this means you can fish at the drop of a hat. I go every night after work (I am a bachelor). Last summer I just left the kayak on my car all the time, I mean, why take it off. I should warn you, the roof rack (I got installed) was expensive too (about $600).  I slide it up the back of the car on a length of outdoor carpet, very easy one man work.

It can be tough to bring out a lot of gear because there is not much room, I settled on one fairly big tackle box and 3 rods. Actually I also take out a second small box and a depth finder & battery when I feel inspired. I made a few modifications, like a rod holder behind the seat. I went out on Lake Washington once, but the boat wake is pretty annoying. Small lakes with no gas engines are perfect. I can really move in that thing too, it is faster than an aluminum boat with an electric. Also I can use the exercise.

http://www.wafish.com/photo/native-watercraft-mariner-12-5?context=...

http://www.wafish.com/photo/kayak-on-my-sable?context=user

Permalink Reply by troy kelly on April 8, 2013 at 8:58pm

Saw this video today.  This place looks awesome and super fun.

 

http://www.fishflics.com/watch/index.php/freshwater-channel/1722-th...

Permalink Reply by Jon Sessler on April 8, 2013 at 9:43pm

I have noticed lately that Kayakers are the new militant bike riders - they demand access, special privileges, and that everyone respect them, while they respect only their right to kayak. 

I am highly skeptical of the kayakers, they are aligned with the militant bike riders, no motors, no lead, no barbs, etc. 

Permalink Reply by SammamishYak on April 12, 2013 at 10:57am

Zack, I’m on the Eastside as well. Feel free to shoot me a PM if you want to go paddle Sammamish when it gets a little warmer out.

Jon, you’re kidding right? There is plenty of room out there for everybody. If anything, we are giving you less competition at the boat launches right? Is there a real kayak infestation in the lakes you fish? I have yet to run into another kayak angler on the water myself.

However, I do share your distain for the militant bike riders. I assure you, we are not one in the same.

Permalink Reply by Bill Elliot on April 15, 2013 at 11:00am

Jon: In my experience the kayakers who display the type of behavior you speak of are the same ones who look at my Tarpon 120 and say "oh you paddle one of those...." We are not in the group with those people.

Zack: I have also been looking for others in the area who want to kayak fish somewhere other than the puget sound. I recently took my family for a paddle on Sammamish and we launched at the rowing association launch. In my opinion the north end of the lake is the best and least busy place to fish. I also have easy access to Lake Sawyer. PM me if you are interested in a fishing trip sometime.

Permalink Reply by Henry Chan on April 28, 2013 at 11:54pm

I'm also looking hard at getting into kayak fishing, since I don't have a big truck towing big boat. I'm leaning toward Jackson Cuda 12, any thought of that? I'm in the whatcom area, hope to fish with you guys soon.

Permalink Reply by Jon Sessler on April 30, 2013 at 11:51am

I am NOT kidding....

Permalink Reply by Sam Makarevich on August 5, 2013 at 2:11pm

Jon,

Far from it...some of us just like to paddle. We can get into areas that bigger boats cannot...I can only speak for myself in saying that the only thing I want from power boaters is the understanding that we are small in stature and your wake and size is a danger to us. I don't expect to go out into the middle of a huge lake or the sound and expect big boaters to give me the right-of-way...just keep an eye out for me just the same as you would for a piece of floating debris (which we are not). I personally don't like bike riders who push themselves into the lanes of cars and expect special treatment...but I do watch out for them and give them a little extra consideration in that they are open to the elements and road conditions could easily cause them a spill.

So...give a little love to a fellow boater who may actually own a powered boat as well...just in this case enjoying a paddle.

To everyone else, I'm a recent transplant (although I lived here for 6 years before) from the east coast...I spent a lot of time floating the Shenandoah, Upper Potomac, Rappidan, and Rappahannock rivers fishing mostly for smallmouth. I'd love to meet up with others...currently I'm paddling a 13.5' Perception America and a 10.5' Future Beach Trophy 126 and I lived in Federal Way.

Jon Sessler said:

I have noticed lately that Kayakers are the new militant bike riders - they demand access, special privileges, and that everyone respect them, while they respect only their right to kayak. 

I am highly skeptical of the kayakers, they are aligned with the militant bike riders, no motors, no lead, no barbs, etc.