Kayak fishing - other fishing techniques

Given the many variables in fishing, there is often a need for anglers to adapt if we are to be successful in the pursuit of our quarry.

While new challenges are appealing to many, the risk of falling into a rut and endlessly repeating where, when, how and what we fish for is real enough.

----- Advertisement -----


In kayak fishing it is probably fair to say that the majority of anglers use orthodox techniques such as: soft-baiting; bait fishing with stray-line and ledger rigs; live-baiting; trolling lures; and so on. These methods will probably catch the desired variety and types of fish, though my enquiring nature has led me to explore some different approaches to maintain my interest and motivation alongside the basic hunter-gatherer instinct.

I have tried the following few examples with varying degrees of effort and success over the years, and these may inspire some anglers to think more ‘outside the box’ when heading out on the water.

The ‘downrigger’

Employing this simple technique led to the somewhat inadvertent downfall of my first-ever fish from a kayak – a nice snapper of around 2kg – and it has produced decent fish ever since.

Essentially my version of ‘downrigger fishing’, it involves slow-trolling a soft-bait on a jig-head around areas likely to hold fish – along kelp lines, edges of structure, or over light foul for example. The lure is presented in the lower part of the water column and is most effective in water up to around 8m or so in depth, making a kayak the perfect platform for this method. Just enough speed is needed to keep the lure action going, and the depth can be adjusted to match contour changes or to take advantage of marks detected on the sounder. Variations in speed and direction are made using the paddle.

The rig is dropped vertically from a rod held perpendicular to the water or angled slightly towards the stern from a holder, or, alternatively, with the butt trapped under your thigh. Your jig head should be heavy enough not to rise up in the water while moving, so half- to one-ounce is ideal, depending on depth. An additional bean sinker sitting above the jig head can also improve stability when a lighter jig head is used with smaller tails.

----- Advertisement -----


Appropriate lures are those with highly flexible tails, such as the Gulp! Swimming Mullet and jigging grub patterns, along with equivalent Z-Man styles (and I would imagine that the new Savage Gear Eel imitations would also work well). Changing colours and flavours will identify fish preferences on the day, though using a favourite can provide extra confidence – mine is a lumo or chartreuse grub.

Takes are generally indicated by the rod wrenching downwards, so a prompt response is required to take control of the fish. The method tends to be deployed while casting ahead with another soft-bait outfit or when towing a live bait. However, it’s most effective and enjoyable when leisurely exploring or cruising along a stretch of reefy coastline using a sounder/chart-plotter set in split-screen mode for concurrent navigation and stalking.

A variation that has thrown up a john dory or two for me involves deploying a live bait on a free-running trace on the mainline above a decent sinker. Use a Baitrunner or overhead lever-drag style reel to manoeuvre the bait around structure or baitfish schools, its depth aligned with sign on the sounder. Upon being eaten, the fish is allowed to run off until the rod can be grabbed and the reel drag engaged. This is a useful option when swells or sea chop makes using free-swimming live baits difficult.

Fluff-flinging fun

A kayak’s open design and stealth make them particularly well suited when fly fishing for wary still-water trout, and they are now used in New Zealand for this purpose (see the January 2015 edition).

For a few seasons I have had great fun with kahawai, and occasionally snapper, flicking or trolling saltwater fly patterns around using light soft-bait gear during the autumn anchovy run along the Hibiscus Coast. This year I also explored the potential of fly fishing from the kayak, enjoying some initial success and learning much in the process.

The greatest challenges to fly fishing are sea state and weather conditions; a combination of wind, chop and current presents a very challenging environment for the method. After spending excessive time untangling the flyline from everywhere imaginable, I now only make the effort on those rare flat-calm days when I can chase boil-ups, or while at anchor with a following wind. At other times a natural presentation of the fly is hard to achieve, due to issues with drift and drag.

Fly fishing at anchor involves selecting a location where current will bring the baitfish through; I have found a few ideal positions in gaps between reefs that also tend to be productive stray-lining spots. Depth is around five metres over sand, and the fly is (sort of) cast down current on an intermediate sinking line, allowed to sink, and then retrieved using twitches and jerks. Bites can occur on the descent or during the retrieve, but the hook-ups are always exciting, and the fish scrap tremendously well on 5-6wt outfits. It really is fun and relatively simple from the kayak once the basic casting action has been mastered and you’ve found the appropriate fly patterns.

In autumn the baitfish imitations are the go-to patterns, with my favourite being a weighted white-grey Clouser style, which is presented on a 4.5kg/10lb fluorocarbon leader and has so far fooled several snapper and kahawai. My next challenge is to fish the same areas in the colder months using smaller fly patterns retrieved through a berley trail – should be fun.

Bubble floating

A bubble float allows flies to be cast a considerable distance if required, and achieve a presentation almost equivalent to fly fishing. Unlike fly fishing however, this technique does not need specialised kit. You can use a standard soft-bait set, so it is a convenient method to have in the locker.

The rig basically consists of a transparent bubble float held in place above a metre or so of leader – 4.5kg (10lb) fluorocarbon is ideal – terminating with a fly. Enough water is added to weight the rig so it can be fired towards the action. It is important to feather or trap the mainline towards the end of the cast to slow the rig down and allow the leader to lay out on the surface.

The technique is best used when presenting saltwater flies to fish feeding either on or just below the surface, especially when schooling fish are feeding on krill or creating boil-ups. Areas where birds such as white-fronted terns are working are also worth investigating, as predatory fish may lurk unseen below. Often the fish (and birds) are preoccupied with very small or even tiny prey items, which suits the saltwater-fly approach perfectly, as often even the smallest metal lures are ignored. Furthermore, the stealth of kayaks allows us to creep into casting range and remain largely ignored amongst the activity for much longer than a powered craft.

Takes may be immediate or on the descent, so it pays to be vigilant. To set the hook, firm strikes are necessary to counteract the weight and surface drag of the bubble float. Variation in the retrieve is vital too, as fish can be stimulated by short, sharp pulls or slower and longer draws of the line or braid. Braid is better suited to this method, as it tends to sink more slowly and bellies less than monofilament, improving control.

Again, as with fly fishing, optimum lure presentation is achieved by positioning the kayak directly upwind of the fishing zone and casting with the wind to gain distance and reduce surface drag.

To summarise: having a few extra ‘strings to your bow’ will not only enhance enjoyment of the fish-catching experience, it may also rekindle some enthusiasm for the sport if you find it’s waning or becoming mundane. While catching fish is not guaranteed, some diversity in your approach may resolve some challenging situations and help develop a more enquiring approach towards fishing.

 

Rate this

Comments

Post a Comment

Required Field

Fishing Reports Visit Reports

Saltwater Fishing Reports
Top of the South Fishing Report - 07/03/24

20lb-ers off the beach, in the kayak, and out deep As we officially move from... Read More >

07 Mar 2024
Saltwater Fishing Reports
Northland Fishing Report - 07/03/24

Outstanding inshore fishing It’s official, summer is over, and what a great summer it has... Read More >

07 Mar 2024
Saltwater Fishing Reports
Manukau/West Coast Fishing Report - 07/03/24

Great condition and large... just not many of them! It has been an unusual end... Read More >

07 Mar 2024
Freshwater Fishing Reports
Canterbury Fishing Report - 07/03/24

Finally, a salmon run! Freshwater Finally we have a salmon run! At the time of... Read More >

07 Mar 2024

Fishing bite times Fishing bite times

Major Bites

Minor Bites

Major Bites

Minor Bites

Fishing Reports, News & Specials

Popular Articles

Softbait Fishing - Part 1 - gear selection

John Eichlesheim writes an article about selecting the right equipment for softbait fishing... Read More >

Softbait fishing Pt 2 - tips and tricks

Techniques, tips and tricks of softbait fishing – getting the most from your soft baits.... Read More >

Surfcasting - setting yourself up

Gary Kemsley helps sort out the necessary gear for intending surf fishers.... Read More >

Squid - How to catch them

Squid fishing is a rapidly growing aspect of fishing - Paul Senior shares some hints and tips to get started.... Read More >