PADDLING SKILLS:
PHOTO: JEFF HERMAN EASY ENTRY
Drop ‘em a Dropper Rig
Many times fish are feeding on different sized baits at the same time. Use a dropper rig to imitate a variety of baits with one cast. This technique also allows the angler to use a larg- er lure to deliver a smaller bait.
THREE-FLY DROPPER RIG
1. Take a three-foot section of 30-pound monofilament. Tie a surgeon’s loop at one end to connect the leader to the fly line.
2. Add a three-foot section of 20-pound monofilament to the 30-pound leader with a five-turn surgeon’s knot. Be sure to leave an eight- to 10-inch tag end.
3. Add a three-foot section of 10-pound monofilament as a tippet and leave a long tag end. Use an improved clinch knot to attach a different size or style fly to each tag end.
CONVENTIONAL DROPPER
Trailer: Attach a small fly or jig to a six- to 10- inch piece of 10-pound leader material. Tie the other end of the leader to the bend of the back hook on a plug or a larger jig.
Double rig: Tie a 20-pound swivel to the mainline. Attach a 10-inch piece of 30-pound leader to the swivel with a five-turn surgeon’s knot leaving an eight- to 10-inch tag end. Tie a one-sixteenth-ounce jig to the tag end and a quarter-ounce jig to the end of the leader.
Dropper rigs work in saltwater and fresh for a variety of species. Adjust the size of the baits and leader to match the type of fish you target. Another tip: use the stiffest leader material you can find, such as fluorocarbon—it keeps the lines straight and the lures separate. Tom Keer
One Arm Paddling
Fishing and paddling don’t mix. You need four arms to do both at once. The solution: learn to paddle with one arm. The key is using your body as the second fulcrum point. To make a forward stroke on the same side as the hand holding the paddle, hold the paddle so the shaft crosses your body and use your chest or gut as the second fulcrum point. To make a forward stroke on the opposite side from the hand holding the paddle, use your forearm as the second fulcrum. The same system works to make a back stroke except use the forearm to make a back stroke on the hand side and your under- arm to make a back stroke on the opposite side from the control hand. Practice doing one-handed donuts until you can paddle like a pro. Rob Choi
www.kayakanglermag.com… 63
Entering a kayak while standing in the water or on a low dock is easy if you do it right. The key is to control your center of gravity by keeping your shoulders over the center of the kayak. Place a hand on each gunnel and plant your butt in the kayak. Then swing one foot into the kayak followed by the second foot. Try to maintain three points of contact at all times and always wear a PFD. Jeff Herman
EASY ENTRY
DIGITAL EXTRA: Click here to learn to paddle with one arm.
PHOTO: JEFF HERMAN
PHOTO: ROB CHOI
PHOTO: JEFF HERMAN
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