Top Essentials That You Should Have With You When You Go Kayak Fishing
Kayak fishing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while catching your dinner. Being on the water and in control of a kayak can be extremely fun – you get to explore new areas and find great fishing spots in places that wouldn’t necessarily be accessible via a different vehicle. That being said, there are some essentials that you should have with you when kayak fishing.
1. Kayak Life Jacket
If you own a kayak, chances are you like going to more secluded places where you aren’t likely to run into other people, or down waterways that might not be as safe as others. Kayak fishing can be great, but if you tip over and find yourself in the water with your kayak floating away, all of that fun goes out the window. As the professionals from Water Sports Whiz point out on their website, a kayak life jacket is one of the most important things to have, even in situations where the water is really shallow or you are the best swimmer ever. It will keep you afloat and help you get back into your boat if you end up tipping over. Keep in mind that it should fit snugly to your body, but allow you to move comfortably. Any lifejacket is always a good idea when it comes to these kinds of watersports. However, getting one specifically designed for kayak fishing can be a great way to enjoy the sport even more. They are easy to put on and take off, and they come with lots of extra pockets, loops, and other features that you will appreciate when out fishing.
2. Fishing Gadgets
Kayak fishing can provide hours of entertainment, especially if you are just starting out. If you intend on continuing this watersport for years to come, investing in quality gear is definitely worth it – and something that you should have with you when going kayak fishing. Some great gadgets to have on hand include a fish finder, a handheld GPS device, a power inverter, and other things that will help you locate the best spots for fishing and get back home easily if necessary. A compass is always a good item to have because it helps you stay on course when in unfamiliar waters, and getting an anchor to keep you in place while you enjoy the beautiful surroundings is pretty important as well. Think about getting some basics if you’re just starting out, and expand your collection as you become more familiar with the sport and your own personal preferences.
3. Safety Measures
Kayak fishing can be a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important to protect yourself from the sun and other weather conditions. You should always make sure that you have sunscreen on hand, along with plenty of water and snacks. If you’re venturing into more isolated areas, consider bringing a knife or something that can help you start a fire in case of an emergency. Another nice safety measure to have is a personal locator beacon (PLB). These things are extremely helpful in situations where you don’t have cell phone service but your family might be worried about you. Some PLBs will let people know your coordinates and help them find you quickly via helicopter or other means, which can come in handy if things go south while kayaking out of cell service range. Of course, chances are you won’t need to use it, but it’s always better to be on the safer side when going to the great outdoors.
4. Dry Bags
Kayaking is a sport that involves spending some time on the water, so it’s usually no surprise that you might encounter some rain or rough waves while exploring a new area. Having a dry bag is always a great idea, especially if you’re kayaking in an open body of water where weather conditions can be unpredictable at times. Many kayakers use dry bags to store their gadgets and other items that need to stay safe and dry throughout the entire kayak fishing expedition. It’s also a good idea to get one that can carry snacks, drinks, and other small but essential items that you don’t want getting wet. There are different sizes, so getting one that is large enough to fit your other items besides your gadgets will also keep things nice and organized while kayak fishing. As mentioned above, there are some weather conditions you might encounter while kayaking, so having an extra set of clothes with you, kept in a dry place, should always be in the back of your mind. If you’re going to a more isolated area, you might even want to include a small first aid kit and a phone charger for emergencies.
Kayak fishing can be a great way to get outside and enjoy nature while also catching some fish. Knowing the weather conditions in the area you are going to will help you prepare properly. With that being said, having safety measures on hand is always a smart idea when exploring the outdoors, as well as getting the right equipment for the sport. There are many other items that you might want to have with you when kayak fishing that is all up to personal preference – it is always a good idea to bring things that make the trip easier or more fun.
