Taking my canine with me on a fishing trip enhances the experience for me and my dog. And, I have a loyal witness to my wildest fish stories. Here is advice for sharing your fishing adventure with man’s best friend.
Dog Days: Expert Tips on Fishing with Fido
Is Fido a Good Fit?
A dog should fit comfortably in the kayak. Large breeds take up too much space. Should the dog or angler move off-center, the kayak could capsize. The dog should be able to move around the kayak without interfering with paddling or fishing.
Some dogs fear water. Other pooches are too excitable to take fishing. Sharp hooks and blades present a major danger, so a rambunctious dog needs some training.
Pre-Trip Training
Before hitting the water, I recommend training the dog on dry land. With the kayak on shore, have the dog jump in and out of the boat. Work on commands like sit and stay.
For the first trip on the water, leave fishing gear at home to focus on the dog’s comfort. Choose a calm day and find sheltered water. Have your dog sit in the bow and stern. Note how the dog affects stability and maneuverability.
Discourage the dog from jumping out of the kayak. If the dog ends up in the water, rescue is difficult.
After a few practice trips, add fishing to the program. Remember, fishing with your furry friend is about fun. Expect to adjust casting and working the lure to accommodate the dog.
Share all aspects of the experience. Let the dog investigate the bait and bark at ducks and geese. My dog Argos is inquisitive about splashing and has to inspect every fish I catch.
Dog-Friendly Gear
On the water, safety is paramount. Always wear a life jacket, and that goes for the dog, too. A canine PFD with a handle makes it easier to secure and recover the dog.
Sit-inside and sit-on-top kayaks each have advantages. Sit-inside kayaks offer protected space for a small dog with less chance the dog will fall or jump out of the boat.
Sit-on-top kayaks have more space for a larger dog. Experiment with the dog sitting in the bow or stern.
Before deciding on a kayak, check the combined weight of the dog and angler doesn’t exceed the boat’s capacity. Consider a wide, stable boat with an open cockpit and large bow and stern wells.
To control my catch and keep my dog safe, I use a fishing net to land the fish.
Trip Tips
No matter how much planning and training, things may go wrong.
- Pack light. The dog adds a lot of weight and takes up space so limit tackle and gear.
- Watch out for wildlife.
- Stop frequently and give the dog a break on dry land.
- Don’t leash the dog to the boat, which is dangerous if the dog jumps in the water or the kayak capsizes.
- If the dog is panting heavily, go to shore to cool off. On a cold day, keep the trip short and take shore breaks to run around.
- Watch the weather: the dog’s behavior may change in a thunderstorm.
Fishing with pooch is more about fun and less about catching. Use the sport to build a relationship and share experiences. Fishing should be fun for the dog and angler. With some training and the right gear, your furry friend will be your best fishing buddy.
Paddling and casting is a new experience with a four-legged angler. | Feature photo: Christi Holmes
This is awesome and I miss my dog. Great read though – thank you 🙂
Loved fishing with my Jack Russell… but be aware, it does affect your fishing success. Daisy dunked several times.