By Capt. Alex Gorichky
[dropcap]M[/dropcap]any reasons exist for an angler to give kayak fishing a try! The idea of low maintenance cost coupled with a budget friendly entry price is certainly a huge selling point. Add the ability to cover relatively large expanses of water and carry a plethora of your essential fishing gear. Suddenly you realize how useful todayâs sit-on-top kayaks are. These boats are not just capable of fishing our mellow lagoon waters, but are also able to put you on some open ocean game fish via a beach launch. Most of the recent models top the scales at 50- 65 lbs; though some go well over 100 lbs (dry weight). Th is will put many choices of kayaks in the range of âcar topperâ single person launch boat, and allow anglers of any type the ability to launch/load with ease.
As I grew up on the space coast, my days were filled with wading the expansive lagoon flats. No fish within striking distance of my bike was ever safe. The feeling of adventure I got from those day long excursions magically seems to transpose itself onto every kayak trip. The idea that a handful of lures and a small bit of exploration can take you to an area where the fish havenât seen many o fferings from anglers is very appealing.
Once you realize just how capable a fishing kayak is, you will look to expand your adventure. The call of waters near and far will be impossible to ignore.
I was recently seduced by this call just a few weeks back. The idea of a kayak fishing tournament, set in the wilderness of southwest Floridaâs 10,000 Islands, was entirely more tempting than I was capable of standing. So, off I went with my teammate, Alan Ryland and two good friends, Pepi Vidal and Charles (red fish Chuck) Levi, Jr. One truck and a small trailer were able to house our kayaks and gear for any finned adversary to be encountered. This ability to travel with ease is yet another reason kayaks have such a foothold in an increasing number of anglerâs hearts. Though the 35 miles of mangrove filled tidal waters we covered is not for everyone, the typical paddle of a mile or two through the lagoons and backwaters, done by my clients, is within reach of anglers at any skill level. So, come on out and join the many that have recently discovered kayak fishing. Hopefully youâve been good this year, and Santa will surprise you!