The editors of Kayak Angler magazine asked some of the top pros in kayak fishing to share their secrets on all aspects of the sport. Looking for advice on how to get started, up the ante, stay comfy on the water—and even what to pack for lunch? Look no further.
Kayak Fishing Questions and Answers with 7 Top Pro Anglers
Our Panel of Fishing Pros
Chad Hoover (CH)
Host of Kayak Bassin’, Wilderness Systems pro, author of Kayak Bass Fishing
Drew Gregory (DG)
Jackson Kayak pro, Founder River Bassin’ Trail and College Kayak Fishing tournament series
Dee Kaminski (DK)
Native Kayaks pro staff and certified kayak fishing guide covering Florida’s Space Coast
Fil “Fishman” Spencer (FS)
Ocean Kayak pro angler, national and regional tournament winner, certified fishing guide
Jeff “Birdsnest” Herman (JH)
Jackson Kayak pro and ACA certified paddle instructor
Jeff Little (JL)
Wilderness Systems team manager, video producer and ACA certified paddle instructor
Marty Mood (MM)
Hobie Pro and tournament champion, winner of Hobie Fishing World Championship
Q1 What’s the Best Way to Get Started Kayak Fishing?
CH: Keep it simple. Don’t put too much crap on your kayak right out of the gate. Many anglers don’t use half the stuff on their boat.
DG: Take a paddle course. Improve your paddling skills and you’ll catch more fish and have more fun.
DK: Paddle your new kayak before installing accessories. Get comfortable in the kayak before adding bells and whistles.
FS: Test the kayaks that you like with the paddle and PFD that you will use. Pay attention to performance, comfort and features.
JH: Try it before you buy it. Rent a kayak, hire a guide or join a friend to test the waters to learn about the sport and see if it is for you.
JL: Focus on safety. Carry more safety gear than required by law. Take a paddling course and research kayak and water safety.
MM: Contact experienced anglers via social media, local fishing clubs and tournaments. Pick their brains on locations, tactics and seasons.
Q2 How Can You Take It to the Next Level?
CH: Research the preferred forage species of your favorite fish. State fisheries agencies and scientific research provides valuable information on baitfish. Learn the migration patterns to match lures and rigs.
DG: Find your own launch. Search satellite images and topographic maps for launch sites and unpressured water.
DK: Create a bucket list of fish to catch and places to fish. This keeps you from focusing on one species or place that you fish most often. Take what you learn at home and apply it to a different fishery.
FS: Many states sponsor trophy programs that give awards for trophy fish. Shoot for one of these awards for your favorite species. Then try to win multiple awards and target other species. Travel to new places to target trophy fish.
JH: Take a trip. Visit a distant fishing destination, meet local anglers and learn how to catch a different species of fish. Many fishing destinations offer guides and kayak rentals.
JL: Fish in bad conditions. If you can catch them when the weather, water and season are wrong, then you are doing something right. Never sacrifice safety for fishing, but don’t let a little rain stop you.
MM: Install a quality fish finder and GPS to find fish and structure. Use the GPS to mark your location, track the area you’ve already fished and measure speed.
Q3 What Would You Never Leave Home Without?
CH: A hook-removal kit that includes antiseptic, three feet of 100-pound test mono and split ring pliers with wire cutter. Learn to remove a hook from your skin.
DG: Gorilla Glue and Gorilla Tape will fix soft plastic lures, a rip in your waders or a hole in the kayak. Polarized sunglasses cut the glare and protect eyes from UV rays.
DK: Emergency stranding kit in a waterproof box including first aid kit, flint, matches, scissors, signal mirror and emergency blanket.
FS: I always take a small cooler with ice and drinks. Everyone knows my Styrofoam cup, too. It gets hot where I fish in Texas. A cold drink not only cools the body but provides comfort to clear the mind.
JH: A handheld VHF radio. In addition to communicating with other anglers and emergency services, a VHF provides weather information. I keep mine on my PFD in case I’m ejected from the kayak.
JL: My drybag with all my video and still cameras. By capturing the day on camera, I can extend the trip well beyond the takeout.
MM: Hate to say it, but a smartphone. A phone has many limitations, but it can function as emergency link, weather monitor and GPS. I can check tides and regulations. Then post pics of my catch to make friends jealous.
Q4 What’s Better Off Left at Home?
CH: Anything you haven’t used in the last four trips (except safety stuff). Excess gear is heavy and gets in the way. It’s also expensive if the kayak flips.
DG: Don’t take too many fishing rods. Extra rods get in the way and end up broken. Store rods horizontally to prevent snagging overhead limbs.
DK: Every lure that you own. Don’t take your whole tackle collection with you. Create small trays of lures specific to the species and area you target.
FS: A heavy anchor. Many times a lighter anchor or stakeout pole will do the job. An anchor and rope take up a lot of space and constantly get tangled.
JH: Alcoholic beverages. I’m always surprised the number of anglers who imbibe in the kayak. Leave it at the dock.
JL: Paddle leash. If you flip the kayak, you can become tangled in the leash.
MM: Social media. People waste valuable fishing time texting and updating their status. You can only catch a fish if your line is in the water.
Q5 How Can You Hook Friends and Family?
CH: Do all the work on the first few trips. Load boats, rig rods, prepare gear and clean up afterwards. Let your guests have fun. Take them to an easy place with guaranteed action. Save trophy fishing for later.
DG: Share photos and video of the fish you catch and the places you fish. All my friends kayak fish since I introduced them to the sport.
DK: I just ask! Taking a new angler fishing will improve your own game and remind you why you got into the sport. Most people are anxious to join and kayak fishing is easy.
FS: New anglers are looking for action, not trophies. Take them places and target fish that are easy. Make the focus fun, not glory. They’ll be anxious to up their game after they get a few fish under their belt.
JH: Take time to teach new anglers to paddle properly and give tips for fishing from the kayak. Then, set them off on their own.
JL: All of my friends kayak fish. I don’t have any other hobbies. My kids aren’t happy unless they are outside, so they are always with me.
MM: Most of my friends have heard me talk about how much fun and how easy kayak fishing is—I have a waiting list of people to take out! I try to take a newbie out every chance.
Q6 What’s for Lunch?
CH: Duke’s beef jerky. Easy to carry, plenty of protein and no energy spike. Jerky won’t crush or spoil either, just don’t get it wet.
DG: Fresh avocado and a pinch of salt. Lots of natural fat and vitamins and it won’t bruise. Unpeeled, the avocado is waterproof, too.
DK: I stick to drinking water and I keep mixed nuts and beef jerky for snacks.
FS: Cold Hershey bar and Big Red on ice. I also like Rice Krispies treats for a sugar boost.
JH: Hydration is key. Nothing is better than good ol’ water. Peanuts and M&M mix for a quick sugar rush.
JL: Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for protein, sugar and childhood memories.
MM: I pack a Ziploc full of trail mix. I like the mountain blend with raisins, mixed nuts and M&Ms.
Feature photo: Courtesy Chad Hoover
