A pro’s pro gets it done. PHOTO: PAUL LEBOWITZ
JIGHEADS GONE WEEDLESS
You need to get your soft plastic into a tight space, but it keeps hanging up. Stop catching grass and tree roots and start catching more fish. Add a hitchhiker to your jig and skin the hook back into the bait. Sling away—it’s ready for those hard to access places where most predators wait. —JD
FIELD EXPEDIENT STRIPPING BASKET
Loose fly line is attracted to kayak clutter. Toss a towel over your legs for a smooth, snag-free surface. —JC
DRAG RACE
Most experts agree the proper reel drag setting is one-quarter of your line’s breaking strength. Test it by placing the rod in a holder, then tying the line to a spring or digital scale. Pull back on the scale to load the rod until the line slips, then tighten or loosen the drag until it’s dialed in. If you’re fishing while afloat on the kayak, you can cheat a little and bump the drag up to 35 percent or more. —Brian Cope
FISH WITH A HAND LINE
No pole required; go one-on-one. The venerable hand line is simple to use, takes very little space and excels for vertical jigging and trolling. Use something you can grip, light nylon rope with a length of thick monofilament. The version sold by
WaayCool.com comes with 3-milimeter nylon rope and 300-pound mono. For breakaway safety, tie on a length of 20-pound leader. When you feel a strike, pull the rope up at a quick and steady pace to keep pressure on the fish. —Jason Self
GO BIG
FOR BASS
When you’re famished, would you rather snack on a Snickers or feast on steak, potatoes, salad and other scrumptious sides? You know the answer. Bass are no different. All things equal, the tasty swimbait is more enticing than the tiny Beetle Spin. The potential protein reward is larger than the energy expended. Apply this lesson by throwing bigger lures for bigger bass. —Drew Gregory
GET
CATCH YOUR BIGGEST CAT EVER
BIRD ON THE WIRE
Diving birds occasionally strike baits or lures. Should you unfortunately hook one, reel it in slowly to avoid further injury. Cover the bird’s head with a towel or even the shirt off your back. Once it calms, gently remove the hook. Call the local wildlife rescue center for animals too injured to release. —JD
You can cash in if you don’t mind close quarters and hand-to-hand combat. A stout cord, a weight and a big hook are all you need to get started. Tie the line onto a limb overhanging the water, bait the hook, and let the bait do its thing. There’s no need to stick around. The real fun begins when you check it in a few hours. This highly effective method is heavily regulated so check local laws! —BC
SPONSORED
Want to go pro? The first part is the easiest. Become a skilled craftsman at the trade of catching fish. Prove yourself a top tier tournament competitor. Don’t overlook big fish contests. While second place rarely gets a picture in the local paper, the guy with the biggest fish of the tournament is always on the front page—everybody loves big fish.
Realize this is about marketing. Companies are inundated with requests. You have to stand out from the crowd. Create a fishing résumé that includes your tournament highlights and other fishing related accomplishments and high quality on- the-water photos. Get active on Facebook and bulletin boards.
Corporate logos are big marketing tools. Don’t give it away by wearing them unless you have established a relationship. An internship that includes products in exchange for services is a good way to start with a sponsor you believe in.
No one will sponsor a prima donna, no matter how skilled. A sponsored angler is the face of a company. Public image is everything. Be kind to others in our sport. If you strive to be the best possible person and fisherman the sponsors will find you. But remember, in the end, just like in the beginning, it’s about the love and enthusiasm for fishing. —John Pawlak
www.kayakanglermag.com… 45
PHOTO: DREW GREGORY
PHOTO: JOSE CHAVEZ
PHOTO: CHRIS BENSCH
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