Winter Kayak Fishing Options

It’s no secret that winter brings colder temperatures and unsavoury conditions, but it also offers other opportunities for the kayak angler. According to Rob Fort, those who have put away their tackle arsenal are missing out on some great angling action.

By hanging up the kit in winter, you’re missing out on a bunch of opportunities to discover adventure that just isn’t available during summer. Yes, leaving a warm house can be difficult, but the benefits and experiences can well and truly outweigh this.

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One of best things about winter is the lack of boat traffic, which allows you to take full advantage of the kayak’s ability to move in stealth mode. This also makes for a more peaceful experience out on the water when looking to discover nature. The wildlife and fish tend to be more relaxed as well, which means you can get closer to them on the kayak.

Winter is perfect for discovering new locations and getting away on a kayak fishing weekend.

Winter is perfect for discovering new locations and getting away on a kayak fishing weekend.

In terms of the fishing opportunities, this time of year is ideal for playing with artificial lures and soft-baits. The quieter conditions are perfect for using them, allowing better presentation. This often makes getting a strike from fish more likely, especially when actively hunting them from the kayak.

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The colder season also means shallow water areas can hold some very nice fish, like snapper of epic proportions. Working the shallows for them can be extremely challenging, yet very satisfying when everything comes together. Casting lightly weighted soft-baits and soft-plastics will get the best results. This type of fishing is one of the most exciting and allows you to actively hunt the shallows, prospecting every bit of coastline. It can be extremely productive during the early and later parts of the day. When the fish move out deeper, it’s the perfect time to play with other options like micro jigs.

Not only are there opportunities to catch snapper right up in the shallows, but other species like tarakihi and hapuku also move in closer to the coastline. If the above still doesn’t have your attention, perhaps a feed of fresh fish in prime eating condition will.

A nice feed of winter fish caught on soft-baits and micro jigs.

A nice feed of winter fish caught on soft-baits and micro jigs.

Good for the mind body and soul

Winter presents us with various personal challenges, yet for water sport enthusiasts it can also be a time of major withdrawal from outdoor activities. Cabin fever is a common condition due to being stuck indoors for extended periods, while an inactive body contributes even further to this. In some cases, this can add up to poor mental health and highlights the importance of getting up off the couch when the weather allows.

Gearing up

One of the most important requirements of winter kayak fishing is the ability to handle the conditions. Even though winter can produce some of the most stunning days of the year, it is still best to be prepared should this change. Personal comfort is the most important consideration and this means keeping the body protected and warm. Good apparel is the key and there are plenty of options available to cater for most budgets, including from locally made brands.

Clothing options come in the form of tops, pants, gloves, hats and booties. They are often made using materials that offer single or multi-layer protection designed to block wind and water contact. Single layer materials provide an outer layer, yet lack any ability to keep the body warm, which the multi-layer material provides. Sharkskin is a very good example of multi-layer protection and eliminates the need for additional layers to provide warmth, unlike the single layer which requires undergarments.

Good clothing designed for kayak and water sport use will keep the body comfortable.

Good clothing designed for kayak and water sport use will keep the body comfortable.

The other advantage with multi-layer garments is they are less bulky and as a result provide greater freedom of movement. Being unrestricted on the kayak prevents fatigue, especially if it’s an all-day mission or you’re travelling a long distance. The other parts of the body that can really feel the chill of winter are the hands and feet. If you paddle the kayak, your feet will most likely feel the cold first due to being inactive. An extra layer of insulation under your existing neoprene booties can help with this, as can making a conscious effort to move them periodically to keep the blood circulating.

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In terms of the hands, be prepared to fork out some cash to acquire gloves that offer better insulation than those you used during the warmer months. You may also want to consider other items of clothing that offer head and facial protection.

Tackle changes

The tackle you use during summer may also require a few adjustments to be suitable for winter. For example, your choice of soft-baits for targeting snapper up in the shallows should move towards the larger sizes. This also requires the use of specialised light quarter ounce jig heads with a larger hook size. The larger bait profile and ultra-slow sink rate gives the soft-bait a longer hang time in the water column, meaning more chance of it being seen and preyed on.

Micro jig choices also change from styles that provide a more vertical sliding action to those that offer more flutter. With the fish less keen to strike during colder months, the fluttery action really helps to fire them up.

Maintenance time

Every winter brings plenty of poor weather to keep us off the water and this allows time for preparation, so you are ready when things do come right. It’s a good time to do a thorough inspection of the kayak and its associated accessories. Check the hull for adverse wear and if in doubt, get it checked out by a professional. Give those rods and reels some attention, perhaps dropping them into your tackle shop for an overhaul if you don’t feel confident to do the likes of bearing and drag replacements yourself.

Choose the best conditions

Poor weather conditions is one of the main reasons we go kayak fishing less during winter. Unpredictable winds are more common, and the likelihood of rain can dampen the day. These scenarios make choosing the right day more difficult; however, it is possible. Obviously, weather forecasts are the most reliable source when making any decision to head out on the water. Wind direction and strength are the most important aspects that kayak fishers need to consider. When looking for ideal conditions, it’s a good idea to use several forecasting sources, especially given their accuracy and the unpredictable weather. The internet has good options, and the VHF marine radio on the Now Casting channel is usually reliable.

By studying each of them, a clearer picture of the day’s scenario can be established. This can have a direct influence on your choice of fishing location and even its duration. For example, if I’m in the Coromandel and the forecasts show a westerly wind direction that is increasing in strength around midday, then options favour a morning session on the west coast.

If it’s an all-day mission, the east coast is the best option and will provide shelter in close against the hills. In either case, you should always be ready to leave and head back to the launch site if conditions unexpectedly deteriorate. Always have a plan of attack for the area you are kayak fishing which assists with your return to shore if the weather turns. If in doubt, leave it for another day.

Winter offers plenty of opportunities, with a number of species living close to the coast.

Winter offers plenty of opportunities, with a number of species living close to the coast.

Once everything lines up with the weather, all that remains is to find a leave pass from life’s commitments. Making the effort is well worth it, even for just a few hours. Kayak fishing is all about adventure and winter can certainly provide plenty of it.


June 2021 - Rob Fort 
New Zealand Fishing News Magazine.
Copyright: NZ Fishing Media Ltd.
Re-publishing elsewhere is prohibited

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