PRO SHOP KAYAK FISHING SECRETS PRO CHAD HOOVER
Host of Kayak Bassin’, Wilderness Systems Pro, owner Hook1 outfitter, author of Kayak Bass Fishing.
DREW GREGORY
Jackson Kayak pro, Founder River Bassin’ Trail and College Kayak Fishing tournament series.
GET STARTED
Keep it simple. Don’t put too much crap on your kayak right out of the gate. Many anglers don’t use half the stuff on their boat.
Take a paddle course. Improve your paddling skills and you’ll catch more fish and have more fun.
Ocean Kayak pro angler, national and regional tournament winner, certi- fied fishing guide.
DEE KAMINSKI
Native Kayaks pro staff and certified kayak fishing guide covering Florida’s Space Coast.
MARTY MOOD
Hobie Pro and tourna- ment champion, winner of Hobie Fishing World Championship.
JEFF “BIRDSNEST” HERMAN
Jackson Kayak pro and ACA certified paddle instructor.
JEFF LITTLE
Wilderness Systems team manager, host of Blu-
eridgekayakfishing.com, video producer and ACA certified paddle instructor.
80 KAYAK FISHING || Annual 2015
FIL “FISHMAN” SPENCER Test the kayaks that you like with the paddle and PFD that you will use. Pay attention to performance, comfort and features.
Paddle your new kayak before installing acces- sories. Get comfortable in the kayak before add- ing bells and whistles.
Contact experienced anglers via social media, local fishing clubs and tournaments. Pick their brains on locations, tactics and seasons.
Try it before you buy it. Rent a kayak, hire a guide or join a friend to test the waters to learn about the sport and see if it is for you.
Focus on safety. Carry more safety gear than required by law. Take a paddling course and research kayak and water safety.
SEVEN PROS SHARE TIPS, TRICKS AND TACTICS TO TAKE YOUR GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL
For the 2015 Paddling Buyer’s Guide, the editors of Kayak Angler magazine asked some of the top pros in kayak fishing to share advice to get started, up the ante, stay comfy and pack lunch.
TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Research the preferred forage species of your favorite fish. State fisheries agencies and scientific research provides valuable information on baitfish. Learn the migra- tion patterns to match lures and rigs.
Find your own launch. Search satellite images and topographic maps for launch sites and unpressured water.
Many states sponsor trophy programs that give awards for trophy fish. Shoot for one of these awards for your favorite species. Then try to win multiple awards and target other species. Travel to new places to target trophy fish.
Create a bucket list of fish to catch and places to fish. This keeps you from focusing on one species or place that you fish most often. Take what you learn at home and apply it to a different fishery.
Install a quality fishfinder and GPS to find fish and structure. Use the GPS to mark your location, track the area you’ve already fished and measure speed.
Take a trip. Visit a distant fishing destina- tion, meet local anglers and learn how to catch a different species of fish. Many fishing destinations offer guides and kayak rentals.
Fish in bad conditions. If you can catch them when the weather, water and season are wrong, then you are doing something right. Never sacrifice safety for fishing, but don’t let a little rain stop you.
PHOTOS COURTESY (TOP TO BOTTOM): CHAD HOOVER, DREW GREGORY, FIL SPENCER, DEE KAMINSKI, MARTY MOOD, JEFF HERMAN, JEFF LITTLE
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