While we are in the middle of one of the worst winter storms this year, I can’t help but long for warmer days so I can fish more. This gets me to thinking why I love fishing from a kayak so much and why I love to share that passion with others.
Who would have ever thought that one day men (and women) would paddle a small plastic vessel, chasing fish that are sometimes almost as big as the vessel? Well, I for one am grateful for the pioneers of this sport that, while most people thought they were a few cards short of a full deck, went out and perused their passion regardless of what others thought. Kayak fishing is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing segments of sport fishing today. This is mainly due to the ready availability of quality fishing kayaks and the recent development and marketing of accessories that make fishing from a kayak more user-friendly.
There are many advantages to going fishing from a kayak. Kayaks are first and foremost a challenge; they test and develop an angler’s skill. When fishing from a kayak you are not able to zoom all over the lake searching for your prey with the latest electronics. With the limited range of a kayak one must make some decisions about where and when to launch with their kayak so as to be on the targeted species. This process is in itself an education and improves an angler’s decision- making process on their local waters. Kayak fishing also forces an angler to hone his fishing techniques to be more productive.
Another advantage to kayak fishing is the affordability of getting set up and getting out fishing. The initial cost of kayak fishing is just a fraction of owning and operating the traditional watercraft. One could buy a new kayak including gear for as little as seven to eight hundred dollars, or you could buy used and save even more. Kayaks require almost no maintenance, just the occasional cleaning and maybe a wipe down with some form of UV protection. I love the fact that I can go fishing more because of the low cost of getting out on the water. Most local trips only cost me about fifteen to twenty dollars, which includes fuel to drive to the water and the purchase of bait. Kayaks are also a great way to get some exercise!
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