Fishing From Kayaks Pt. 2
Successful fishing from kayaks requires rigging that is
available at your fingertips so that all essential activities can be accomplished from your seat without
eccessive reaching or movement.
You've already seen the position of the rod holders on page one. Next is the anchoring system. You can buy an anchor trolly that you can install on the side of your kayak. This system allows you to pull your anchor rope towards you without excessive movement when it's time to up anchor. It can be purchased complete or you can actually make one with some rope and a few snaps. One of the simplest, and best anchor systems, which I like is on Marty's kayak shown here. This one has a simple slotted bracket next to the cockpit with a ring near the bow of the boat. The anchor rope is run from the bracket to the ring on the front. The small open anchor rides on the side of the bow when out of the water. The bracket holds the rope in place. When it's time to anchor, you just pop the rope out of the bracket and let the anchor go. Pulling the anchor up, again, just pop the rope out of the bracket, pull the anchor up from your seat and put the rope back in the bracket when it's up. It's important to mention here, when in a significant current or wind, be sure to anchor off the bow or stern, not off the side. Anchoring from the side in these conditions can quickly swamp your boat. 
A limb line, that can be purchased or made is another
important piece of equipment when fishing from kayaks. You can find them at various retailers or you can
make one by simply using a wood clamp and attaching a rope like the one I have below. A snap attached
at the end can make attaiching it to any ring on the boat quick and efficient.
If you lose your paddle
while fishing from
kayaks ........ you really don't
have many options except to paddle with your hands or jump our and swim it to shore. In a wind or
current, loss of a paddle can be disastrous. A small piece of rope or a "paddle leash" that can be
purchased where kayaks are sold is essential. Don't leave without this piece of equipment. It
attaches the paddle to a handle or ring on your kayak and allows you to release your paddle without
losing it.  These are just a few of the essentials of kayak fishing. Some other very helpful accessories are a fishing vest, small plastic, pocket size tackle box, anchor rope hook, waders, wading boots and various size straps are all items that will enhance and make your fishing from kayaks experience a great one. While I've talked all about what to do to make this work, the results are worth the effort. Kayaks can give you access to some of the most spectacular scenery and best fishing you can imagine. The rewards are worth the work. Whether you fish from a sit on top kayak like mine....... 
......or a sit inside kayak like Ralph's
Fishing from kayaks can be an incredible
experience. For prices that are modest compared to other forms of on the water vessels, most
anybody can manage some kind of kayak to fish from. They can be purchased in any number of
colors and sizes. My wife doesn't fish from hers and likes to carry it in the back seat of a
small convertible (if you can imagine that) so she has a small 8 foot boat that she loves to
drop in small water and do some fitness paddling. So grab a kayak, get a few accessories to
make it easier and get on the water for one of the great experiences in small boats.
Here's to your good paddling and fishing
~ Mark
Rogers
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© Copyright 2008 - All rights reserved - Mark Rogers -Fishing From Small Boats