Hello,

I recently got my first fishing kayak and was wondering if you could give me any tips or things I should know for when I go out. I was planning on going out this friday... but with all this rain, I dont know if going out anymore... also was waiting for "cooler" temps.

Also, what are some must haves and some things that are not necessarily must haves but nice to have.

Thanks in advance

Only "tip" I have is don't be like some of those yak guys and hog the boat ramp for 30 minutes while you're getting ready <3

Tight Lines.

This may have some info you could use...Kayak Fishing Tips - Video Playlist

A comfortable PFD, and wear it all the time you're on the water. Leash everything to the kayak--rods, coolers, tackle boxes, etc. I always carry a spare paddle.

thanks all,

any must haves? nice to haves?

Nice to have an anchor system on the yak. I also always bring me a towel and lay over my legs to keep me from getting burnt, but it also is nice to wipe off and dry your hands.

go with someone, or let someone know where you will be, and what time you expect to be home.
I would have my phone charged, and in a waterproof floatable case.

Dont turn over,...

First trip out, dump it. I know it sounds odd but knowing how to do a deep water re-entry with a pfd on because you've practiced is a lot different than knowing because you watched a fool on YouTube.

This i would debate. I dont swim very well so getting tangled in leashes underwater is just about as scary as it gets for me. I never leash anything. I do bungie or twist tie things to the boat but never a loose leash to get tangled in, yes I have suffered a few lost to the lake things, rods,,,,5 times. Its a price I am willing to pay so I dont get tangled. Im not saying one way is better than the other, im sure Tallgrass keeps his rods while I sprinkle mine all over the lake bottoms. Hahaha. All joking aside pfd and extra paddle should be 100% most important. Anchor trolley and knowing how to use it with anchor would be next.

Take out what you think you'll need, and then you'll figure out what you really need or don't need. Everyone is different. I go pretty minimalist, some people take out 6 rods and 30 lbs of gear.

I use short leashes and don't worry about getting tangled if I flip while on a lake (and I've never flipped...yet). I have kept my leashes really short when going over fast river water and some drop-offs with submerged boulders and tree snags. Two people with me on one such trip did turtle.

bare minimum
rods with a pool noodle on them
paddle with a leash
pfd
small tackle box
some water

This is really good advice. The water and air temperature are both warm right now so take the empty kayak out and test its limits until you flip it. Then see if you can get back in.

I found that a push pole comes in handy for a lot of things. Mine is 8 feet long with a "T" handle.

1. You can use it for an anchor in shallow water.

2. It makes a great reach pole to grab something floating away from you.

3. You can use it to propel your yak if you lose or break a paddle.

4. You can use it to gently or not so gently stop a snake from swimming up and joining you in the kayak.

5. Makes a good rescue tool to help someone that may have fallen in and needs a hand.

6. If a panicked swimmer is racing towards your yak, you can help them and maybe keep yourself right side up by giving them a hand hold but keeping them at a distance. (the paramedic in me speaking)

7. Can help you rescue an expensive lure or snagged anchor.

8. Add a removable gig head to it and gig frogs, carp, flounder, and other things.

9. Become an emergency flag pole if you find yourself in trouble.

10. You can use it as a temporary splint or walking stick

I'm sure others can come up with other great uses for a push pole. It's the WD-40 tool with many uses. You can make one out of a couple of wood 4' dowels stuffed inside an 8' piece of PVC pipe, 4 self tapping screws, and a lawn mower pull handle for a cost of less than $15. Of course I was stupid and purchased a fancy factory made fiberglass pole before I realized that for the price I paid for that 1 pole I could have made 6 hand made ones that would have worked just fine..

Oh wait.... I forgot my favorite reason to have the pole. I poke it through a scupper hole and use the "T" handle to help me stand or sit down in the kayak. Can I get an amen from any of you other old guys? LOL!!!

thanks for the tips!
i was thinking in building a pole just wasnt sure with what.

i did find a place near me selling a 10ft 3/4 in rod for like 22 bucks(uhmwpe material), but what you say sounds cheaper ahhahah