[G E A R ]
Towing the Line— and the Fish
FRIENDS DON’T LET FRIENDS REVIVE BIG GAME ALONE
BY GREG BOWDISH W
henever two sports come togeth- er, there is always a long period
where new uses of previously unfamiliar gear are uncovered, usually prompted by a problem that would not have been encountered in either sport alone. In the case of kayak fishing, one such
“mother necessity” scenario comes about when trying to release a large, exhausted fish in big water conditions. Fish like marlin, sailfish, and tarpon all benefit from being held with their heads pointed into current as they “catch their breath” and recover from the fight. But how do you hold a large fish and paddle at the same time?
And how can another kayak angler help out? The solution comes from a common piece of safety gear carried by most whitewater and sea kayakers—the tow line. Tow lines usually come as a waist belt with a long, shock-absorb-
ing rope with a clip or carabiner on the other end. The reason for the belt instead of, say, tying a line to your stern, is that it allows you more control, and also allows you to quick-release from your end of the line in an emergency. Another option well-suited to a fishing kayak’s typical high-back seat is a deck-mounted tow line, mounted immediately behind the seatback. With either configuration, the assistant need only clip the line to
the angler’s bow and start paddling. The angler can then hold the fish until it is completely revived and ready to release unharmed. Always make sure your rods are not in the way of the tow line. Fishing aside, a tow line is an important piece of safety gear all of
us should carry when we venture onto bigger waters. Whether facing a broken paddle or major medical issue, a tow line can ensure that everyone makes it back safely.
» TO P O F TH E L I N E
NORTH WATER SEA TEC TOW LINE
This clever tow line can be worn on a quick-release belt or mounted to a jam cleat on the deck. The bag includes 30 feet of 1/4-inch braided, high-grade floating rope with an integrated shock cord and stainless steel carabiner. $125.
northwater.com
» V A L U E P R I C E D
NRS KAYAK TOW LINE
This basic belt-style tow line features 50 feet of 3/16-inch floating polypropylene rope with a shock- dampening bungee, a quick-release belt and heavy duty plastic clip. The pouch includes two inside pockets for additional storage. $55.
nrsweb.com
PHOTO: GREG BOWDISH / ANGLER: TONY LAI
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