Anglers are a superstition bunch, so when we find something with good fishing juju, we bring it every time we fish. Whether it’s a special hat, rock or sandwich, kayak fishing lucky charms help us bring in the fish when we can’t hook up. Here’s what Kayak Angler readers carry to keep lady luck on their side.
Readers Share Their Can’t-Miss Kayak Fishing Lucky Charms
“A little plastic cat goes to all my tournaments. Started as a joke but now I don’t leave home without it.”
– Benton Parrott, Louisiana
“Old guy next door was a retired barber (gave me my first haircut), and became my fishing buddy. When he died, his wife let me have his tackle box. Inside I found, among many other treasures, a matchbook advertising his old shop. I have had it in my tackle box for 30 years, and wouldn’t dream of heading out without it.”
– Kevin Undem
“I have a small coal carving of a German Shepherd my wife gave me.”
– Rob Odette
“My star foam cup. Sounds crazy, but I have kept one from Texas and took it to Louisiana, even Florida, and used it there for several days. Some parts of Florida and Louisiana you can’t buy a good-sized star foam cup. Love having ice water or ice cold soda while I’m out on my kayak.”
– Fil Fishman Spencer, Corpus Christi, Texas
“Found a GI Joe on the ground one day before launching, super glued him to my rod rack and he has been bringing me luck ever since.”
– Fil Martinez, Hopewell, Virginia
“I have a rubber bracelet that is from HOOK1. It was the identifier for the 2012 TKAA tournament. Well, I won the Slam division that year. The next time I wore it was the 2013 YakAttack tournament (wore it for good luck mojo). I also won that Slam division as well. I wore it a couple more times and it has brought me luck. I need to wear it and go play the lottery.”
– Richie Bekolay, Navarre, Florida
“Lucky para-buddy tied on the front of my camo Trident 13.
He helps me locate the fish.”– Chris Dolin
“I carry my cat’s harness that passed away every time I fish. Psycho was the coolest cat I have ever owned, he loved everyone and let all the kids carry him and pet him with no arguments. Plus he loved my stinky fishing shirts after a day on the water.”
– Scott Vaughn
“My Skeeter Boats baseball cap given to me by my cousin and a hand-me-down Diawa Millionaire that my dad gave to my grandpa as a gift in the 70’s. The only time I get skunked on the lake is when I’m missing one or the other.”
– Matt Stanton
“I always take along my Dad’s old Zebco Fisherman’s De-Liar. He always had it with him when he fished and now I take it along for good luck and as a nice memory of my Dad. One day I will pass this little good luck charm on to one of my grandchildren, maybe have a fishing contest?”
– Richard Crann
“My Kayak Angler hat! I will turn around and go home if I don’t have my hat with me. It’s my lucky fishing hat.”
– Theresa Southerland, Rockport, Texas
“I carry a perfectly spherical river rock I found when I was very little. That rock is always with me when I fish. Not only is it my lucky charm but it is also a reminds me of my grandfathers. My mentors in fishing.”
– Kyle Polk, Indianapolis, Indiana
This looks like a job for G.I. Joe. | Feature photo: Fil Martinez