Here is one wildlife encounter we’ve never seen before. In this clip from Fish Tales and Reviews, a kayak angler sits on a peaceful, lilypad-covered pond when suddenly an owl flies up out of nowhere. The impressive bird hovers right in front of his boat, beating its wings and looking like something right out of Harry Potter. But rather than delivering magical messages the owl appears to be hunting his topwater lure. “Hoo” knew?
Wild Owl Flies By While Kayak Fishing
What exactly drew the owl’s attention? According to the captions, the angler is fishing a Lunkerhunt Yappa-Rat, a large topwater lure shaped like a sewer rat. Featuring a flared lip and hollow body construction, the Yappa-Rat is billed as making a noise and action that bass can’t resist. The same goes for birds of prey, apparently.
If you’ve never heard of a fishing owl you’re not alone, but they do in fact exist. Some species in Africa and Asia are specially adapted to skim the surface or wait at the water’s edge and wait for dinner to appear. But more broadly, most owls are opportunistic hunters. Some species will even wade into the water after their prey.
We’re Not the Only Ones On the Hunt
From sharks to seabirds, anglers often have to contend with wild animals who want to steal their bait. Certain fish species, like bluegill and perch, are notorious for taking a nibble and not taking the hook. But we’ve never heard of an owl—normally nocturnal—swooping after a lure in broad daylight.
Have you ever had a bird go for your bait? Ever caught the eye of a big bird of prey while kayak fishing? Let us know in the comments.
Largemouth bass-eating owls are common on Florida Panhandle rivers. They will follow your boat as the shoreline is being fished. Capt. Pete