Greetings everyone. As the subject states, I'm new to kayak fishing. I've had my kayak out on the water 4 times, and struck out cold the last 3 times. I'm mostly interested in catfishing, but I seem to have trouble locating the fish. I'm going to try Lake Worth next, launching from the 820 bridge. I dont know when I'll be able to go (not just yet), but would love to have you join me and help me learn this new style of catfishing.

Let me know if you'd like to try to join along and show me the ropes on how it's done!

Thanks in advance.

I have not done any cat-fishing from my yak but I know guys do it and do very well!

One thing, its random but I can share about Worth (only been there once, earlier this summer) I caught a HUGE flathead on a crankbait on the far side the bridge from where you launch.

Kayak fishing is great. I can suggest keep it simple at first. Anything that can get snagged or in the way will at the worst time so keep it clean and in order best you can. Of course always wear your PFD and going with a buddy is a great idea as well. Good luck and be safe out there!

Welcome to TFF! Also if you have not joined already there is a very active DFW Kayaking page on FaceBook. Lots of good info there and the guys often do meet ups and fish together.

Welcome to the sport! Kayak catfishing is one of my favorite things to do. I havent been able to get out too much this year but they are going to be going to deep holes soon if they arent already. My sugestion would be to get shad,,,fresh, not walmart baged shad. Use navionics app to mark any deeper holes and fish those anchored. Winter fishing is always anchored for me. Spring, summer and fall we drift. I like to bring 3 or 4 rods. Anchored i like 4 rods out, drifting i like 3. Make sure when landing ANY SPECIES that has size to it, loosen your drag when they get close to the yak. Cats fight most of their fight at the boat. I use my thumb to apply preasure, i have been burnt a few times but for me its just part of the game. Great luck.

Thanks for the reply! I have 4 rod holders mounted on my kayak, and in a lake i do plan to find holes and anchor. I tried anchoring in the Brazos River last weekend....The current was not the factor...it was the WIND!!! I need a drift sock if I'm going to try to anchor with any current to help counteract the wind!

I try to get shad with a throw net before I launch, so it sounds like I may be doing things correctly, just haven't been able to get a bite yet. I'll keep at it! Thanks for the guidance!

Welcome! You might want to start out just using one rod.

I mounted 4 rod holders on the kayak, but that doesn't mean I use them all at once. Options.....gotta plan for multiple options.

You'll see both tendencies in outfitting kayaks. I once saw a competitive boat angler who dropped down to the kayak angler circuit and he carried "everything." He must have had 20 twenty rods and multiple tackle boxes, big ones.

Then, for the non-competing guys and gals, you'll see many who prefer to go out "minimalist" with a rod or two and a 3600 Plano box. The second rod is often just in case you snap the first one, never gets used.

Kayak fishing fits all options!

Brad

You got to find what works for you and what is comfortable for you. Fresh shad is a must, and finding the fish is also the most important part. Learn your lake/water you are going to fish the most. take notes,compare times and dates and if you dont already have one a fish finder is very useful. If i am targeting cats or not i usually bring a few jugs in the yak anyway and toss one or two out if i see something on the fishfinder, while i am paddling to a spot. I just use the jugs on spots i dont normally fish or a spot i am passing thru just to see if something will bite on it.If i get something then i know i can or should try that spot with rod and reel.
I also use google maps and navionics website for two days before i fish for deep holes,structure ect. Pretty sure i am not the only one who does this as i have come up on spots that you wouldnt think people could launch from and have met other like minded kayakers and they too said, I saw it on google earth.

Hope some of this helps, its all trial and error. what works for me might not work for you. Be safe, have fun and catch fish.

I like the jug idea. I do have a fish finder, with Down and Side Imaging....still learning it though....been watching lots of setup and interpreting the screen videos.