Northwest Reel Life April 2023 Volume 2 Issue 8 - Flipbook - Page 18
HELPFUL GEAR
Fishing kayaks will always
come with one or two built
in rod holders, but they are
often located stern-side
of the cockpit and are not
advantageous for trolling.
Because of this, its helpful
to take advantage of track
mounting systems that not
only allow for additional rod
holders, but also allow for
accessories like fish finders,
cell phones, and other
navigational devices. Most
tracks will mount on the
coaming of your kayak next
to the cockpit. Use the rear
rod holder (or at least one) for
your fishing net. Fish storage
is a key component to any
kayak fishing set up. Early on
in my kayak fishing days, I
landed a sizable lingcod that
18 | NWFISHING.net
wouldn’t fit onto my already
maxed out fish stringer. After
dispatching the fish and
cutting its gills, I stored it in
a shallow well on the deck
of my boat. For 30 minutes
I pedaled around with my
eye on this gorgeous ling,
and imagined the melodic
sizzling from the fryer as I
turned my catch into fish and
chips for the family. Without
warning, the “dead” lingcod’s
nervous system kicked into
full gear, and in true zombie
fashion, the fish thrashed
violently until it made its way
overboard and left me, a sad
angler, watching helplessly
as it sank deep into the
waters of the Straits of Juan
de Fuca. Don’t be like me
on that unfortunate day,
and always prepare yourself
by having ample storage
for the fish you catch. This
can be done with portable
coolers, insulated fish bags,
multiple metal stringers, or a
combination of all three. The
air and water temperature
should guide you in your fish
storage technique, just be
sure your storage is ample
and secure.
So if you’re looking to go
beyond the confines of the
shore and out into the vast
expanse of the open water,
but you’d also like an option
that imparts a bit more
freedom and flexibility then
what is typically found with
larger and more traditional
fishing boats, then a kayak
might be exactly what you
need for your next fishing
adventure.
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