Top 5 Lessons Learned in Kayak Fishing

I have been kayak fishing for several years now (not even sure how many anymore), and have learned some lessons the hard way.  Some I have learned myself, some I have seen others learn while I was on the water with them.  It would be good for any kayak angler, new or old, to take heed of these, the top 5 lessons I have learned:

5) Plan and Prep for Your Trip Beforehand  (i.e. Don't forget water or your paddle)

Procrastinating and rushing around last minute is the easiest way to forget something important.  Nothing can ruin a trip faster than forgetting a necessity, and not realizing until you are either about to launch or are out on the water makes it even worse.  Make a list of everything you might need before you leave.  As you are packing, double check your list.  As you are loading up to leave, triple check your list.  Dehydration is a terrible monster, so don't forget your water.  You can't get very far very fast in a kayak without a paddle--I keep an extra in my truck at all times (along with a spare "travel rod" that I built.) 

4) Have Fun

I have a tendency to take my fishing too seriously from time to time.  Remember why you fish.  Fishing is fun.  If you don't enjoy kayak fishing, then don't do it.  If you have a bad tournament...forget about it, have fun at the weigh in with your friends anyway.  Everyone has tough days on the water.  Everyone.  Enjoy your time on the water and the camaraderie on the shore, and go get the fish next time.

3) Make a Float Plan--and Let Others Know

This is not only necessary when you plan on spending days at a time on the river, a float plan is necessary even if you are just hitting the river or lake for one day of kayak fishing.  You might not know exactly where you will be fishing, but let someone know where you are planning on launching from, where your take out is, and what time you plan on being home.  If you plans change while you are on the water, try and let that same person know.  Having someone know where and when you will be in your kayak could save your life!

2) Rod Leashes are a Must

This is something that I still struggle with remembering.  Rod leashes will save you countless headaches and tons of money.  I think I have lost 3-4 rod/reel combos to the depths of Lake Amistad and rivers.  I know it is annoying to have a leash attached while you are fishing, and I have never lost a rod that I was using at the time--but rods in the rod holders are a different story.  Unleash your rods if you want to while you are fishing, but clip them back in when not in use.  Winds and currents pushing me into trees have been the primary culprits of lost rods, but rolling your kayak in some rapids, or getting tipped by a wave could very well send your expensive set-ups plummeting to the bottom as well.  Leashing your rods to the kayak will save you!

1) Wear a Life Jacket/PFD

I have been lucky enough (knock-on-wood) to not have an experience with this in water I couldn't stand in yet, but I have swallowed some water in rapids.  I was not wearing my PFD at the time (this was back when I thought I was too cool for this) and if I would have hit my head on a rock and conked out...I would have been in trouble.  I have also seen several experienced kayak anglers roll in open, deep water situations--some wearing a PFD, some not.  In every case, a PFD would have made the situation much easier and safer.   I also don't know how many stories I have read of kayakers drowning when not wearing a PFD.  Wear your lifejacket, it might save your life one day...really!