The exciting news in kayak fishing electronics is that now the majority of the Hobie Kayak line now comes equipped with the Lowrance Ready System. This will make the installation of you favorite Lowrance electronics frustration free. Conversely I do almost all of my fishing in less than three feet of water and really do not have a need for a bottom machine on my kayak. As I am not that well versed in the use of fish finders, I thought I would share how I use electronics to help me maximize my time on the water.
By no means am I a techno junkie, but I have found that by using my iPhone I can be better prepared for almost any situation. While I do not think apps and websites help me catch more fish once I am on the water, they do help me form a game plan and stay safe while I am on the water. Just like trying out new baits, adding new techie tools can be hit or miss. While not every new lure is going to double your catch, the same is true of digital aides. Give them a little time and decide if they are essential to your techno tackle box. While I will never be confused with Steve Jobs, I hope that you will find my simplistic approach to technology’s place in the world of fishing useful.
When it comes to adding apps to your arsenal the possibilities are almost limitless, but I have narrowed my go to apps to just a handful. The three factors that I am most concerned with are hazardous weather, tides and wind.
As weather is usually my biggest concern, I have a weather folder on my phone. I use the free weather channel app to plan around the hourly forecast as I prepare for the following day’s trip. Once it is time to leave the house, I check the free app, Weather Bug, which gives me an overview of all the storms for the whole state, as well as, the current wind speed and direction for my location. Once I reach the launch, I check it again to gauge if I have to worry about how long I can pedal without taking any major risks. If you want a more sophisticated weather app check out Radar Scope which has the ability to do up to the minute updates, but comes with a ten dollar price tag.
Once I have analyzed the weather I move on to the tides. I like two apps that are both $2.99, Tide Trac and Real Tides. This will give you a look at daily, weekly and monthly breakdowns with easy to understand graphs.
As tides can be seriously affected by the wind, I like to check Windfinder(free app)to make adjustments. Inshore you will find that a big winter blow out of the north will suck out the water making tides much lower than the predictions, while a hard southern blow will cause flood tides.
Have fun with all the great new techno fishing tools that are now available. Browse the App Store to find your own gem. If you add a few apps into you tackle box you should find yourself having more productive outings.
Remember, if you are taking your phone on the water, make sure it is protected. There are several quality water proof cases on the market, but personally, I use the LifeProof case to keep my phone waterproof and I use the Life Jacket to make sure it floats. Take this from an angler that has lost water proof cameras to Davey Jones’s locker.
Pedal On!
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