LIP GRIPPER [S K I LLS]


HUNG UP E


Stuck like Chuck


The most common predicament is getting snagged on submerged structure. The best course of action is to paddle upstream of the obstruction and pull on the lure from the direction it was snagged. Once you get into position, first give a little slack line and wait a few seconds for the current and gravity to work the hook free. Then apply slow, gentle pressure. If that doesn’t work, try adding a little pressure or popping the rod to jerk the lure free. Still stuck? Paddle over the snag and crank the line tight with the rod pointed at the lure. Then jiggle the rod to work the lure free. This is an advanced maneuver. Applying too much pressure could damage the rod or flip the kayak. Always wear a PFD and don’t get aggressive with a snag unless you have practiced turtle recovery. It can be safer to admit defeat. Tighten the line, hold the spool, point the rod at the snag and pull straight back to break free.


Fishing for Monkeys


Everyone knows that fish don’t live in the woods, so why do we throw our rigs into the trees? If the rig is dangling over a branch, there is still hope. Gently pull on the line to swing the lure back and forth. As the pendulum gains momentum, your fishing buddies will usually start to wager. At the climax of the swing, jerk the line to flip the lure off the branch.


Should the line wrap around the tree branch, paddle to the snag and try to unweave the web. If that is impossible, loosen the line and use the


30…KAYAK ANGLER


SKIL LS | FOOD | RIGGING | TACTICS | SCHOOLED | DESTINATION | SPL ASH


IF YOUR LURE IS HOOKED IN THE BOW RIGGING, LEARN TO DANCE THE SNAGGED SHUFFLE. PHOTO: JEFF HERMAN


Angler-style Paddle: Slide the curved notch in the paddle blade over the line and work it down toward the snagged lure. Jiggle the paddle and gently jerk on the line to free the lure. H2O- Fish: $159, www.h2opaddles.com


MANAGING THE SNAGS AND SNARLS OF KAYAK FISHING BY JEFF HERMAN


very angler shares one experience. Whether we are fishing for monkeys in the trees or our jigs are anchored to “rock-fish,” we all get snagged. Learning to free your lure not only saves time and money, but it can help you save face.


Pole Retrievers: A pole with a cork-screwed hook on the end works best in shallow water. Push with the pole and pull with the line to free the lure. Frabil Telescoping Retriever: $35.95, www.frabill.com


Chain Retrievers: A weighted chain on the end of a long cord will free a lure snagged on the bottom in deep water. Slide the guides on the weight over the line and let it descend to the lure. Then shake the chain and pop the rod to work the lure out of the snag. Bill Dance Lure Retriever: $14.99, www.lurenet.com


rig’s weight to work the line free. Never sacrifice safety or honor for a snagged lure; tackle companies love trees and rocks. Always try to cut or break the line as close to the snag as possible.


Get Down with your Snagged Self


When you started kayak fishing you never thought you’d learn to dance too. But if you hook your bow or stern rigging, you’ll want to learn the snagged shuffle.


Before you hit the dance floor, it is best to swallow your pride and ask someone for help or paddle to the bank and remove the lure. If you are fishing alone and far from shore however, there is no one to watch you stoop to a new low. Straddle the kayak like a rodeo rider and scooch towards the bow.


Then lie across the front of the boat and reach for the snagged lure. Crushing the barb can help remove a snarled hook or keep it from get- ting stuck in the first place. Always carry a strong pair of dikes to cut the hook or the line.


A LITTLE HELP


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