Using a kayak for fishing is an age-old practice and is very popular even today. It has the excitement of kayaking and leisure of fishing. Kayak fishing involves the use of some specific equipment like rods, reels, rod holders and retractors that help in having a successful angling session.

Basic Tools

As far as the basic fishing rods are concerned, they are not too different from those used in any other times. Some other tools used specially in kayak fishing are as follows:

1. Rod Holders: A rod holder is especially used in kayak fishing as a kayak does not have lot of space. Thus, at such times storing the fishing rod safely can become a problem. In these times, a rod holder can help in holding one or more fishing rods and paddlers can easily take out the rod from them for fishing and put them back when not in use. It is recommended that rod holders be placed at such points that the paddler can access them easily from his position in the cockpit. Some good locations to mount the rod holders are the sides, right behind the cockpit and the center.

2. Landing Equipments: The gaff is extremely useful to land large size fish. While capturing large fish, place the gaff below the fish and by using the rod, guide the fish such that it is over the gaff. When the fish is right on the gaff, trap the fish by pulling the gaff vertically so that the hook pierces its body.

Apart from the gaff, another useful tool used to land the fish is the fish stringer. Once the fish is gaffed, the stringer is used to penetrate the fish through the mouth and the gills.
Apart from the gaff and the fish stringer, the club is a tool used while landing a large size fish. The club is basically used to subdue the fish easily so that the paddler can retain his balance even while handling a large size fish.

3. Game Bag: The game bag is very essential to store the fish and is an essential item in a kayak fishing kit. The game bag can be tied to the kayak or left on top of it or stored in the tank well. Once the fish are put in the game bag, just latching it firmly would ensure that the fish are stored away safely.

4. Retractors: A retractor is a small tool that helps in holding fishing equipments like game bags, fishing rods etc. One end of the retractor is joined to the kayak while the other end is joined to the equipment that has to be secured. To secure the equipment to the retractor it is necessary to use a particular type of clip so that the equipment remains firmly tied up. Pulling the leash of the retractor would allow the paddler to access the equipment immediately.

Apart from these basic equipments used in kayak fishing, paddlers can also use support gear like leashes, anchors and compass. Paddlers can choose the equipments according to the fishing conditions and the type of fish that they intend to hunt. The right choice of tools would ensure that paddlers have a huge catch and a great kayaking session.