Over the years, kayak fishing has seen a drastic rise in popularity because of its combination of adventure and relaxation. If you are an experienced kayak angler, you can fish in a lake, river, or even out in the ocean. It all depends on your preference and the type of fish you want to catch.
Offshore or ocean kayak fishing might be the hardest form of the bunch since you will be paddling on rougher waters and have to fight against the waves. But if you know the basics of ocean kayak fishing and have your paddling techniques covered, you should have little trouble with it.
In this article, we will give you a quick rundown of how ocean kayak fishing works and leave you with a few tips to make the experience better for you.
How does Ocean Kayak Fishing Work?
Ocean kayak fishing is exactly what it sounds like. You take your kayak and all your necessary fishing equipment and go out in the ocean to catch fish. The ocean contains many unique fishes that you cannot catch in a river or a lake. These fishes are not only delicious but can also be sold for quite a decent sum of money.
However, for offshore fishing, you need a kayak that is designed to handle ocean waters. It needs to be sturdy and durable and also offer greater stability than a basic river kayak. Besides, since you are kayaking under the open sun, you will have a hard time finding shelter if you need to.
That is why it is not recommended for beginners to go offshore fishing unless they are fully comfortable with their paddling technique and skill. Without proper experience and preparation, this type of kayak fishing can be quite dangerous.
Tips for Offshore Kayak Fishing
Now that you understand the basics of kayak fishing in the ocean let us head on to some tips to make it easy for you. If you are a beginner, you can use these tips to keep yourself out of trouble when ocean kayak fishing.
- Wear your PFD
You should never go kayaking in the ocean without wearing your personal floatation device or PFD. Even if you are an experienced kayaker, accidents can happen. If your boat capsizes because of rouge waves, you will be safe even if you fall off.
There are many life vests available these days that do not restrict your movement. They are a good choice if you want the most mobility. This tip is extremely important even for experienced swimmers. Swimming in a calm river is not the same as swimming against waves.
- Double-check your kayak
Before you head out to fish in the sea, make sure you double-check the capabilities of your kayak. Not every boat can navigate troubling waters, and you need a particular type of kayak to fish offshore. Unless you have a stable and robust kayak, you should not use it for saltwater fishing.
Furthermore, check for any cracks or dents in the kayak before you start your journey. If you use it frequently, it will naturally show some signs of wearing. However, if the hull is too worn-out, it might not be able to cope with rough waves and waters in the ocean.
- Be prepared for anything
When you are out in the open ocean, you cannot go back for a piece of equipment or essential gear. Before heading out, make sure you take everything that might matter with you on the kayak. It is also a good idea to do a little bit of research on the marine life you might find where you are going.
For instance, if the location is known to have massive fishes, you might want to keep a line cutter with you. That way, if a large fish takes the bait and you cannot handle it, you can snap the line to prevent your boat from capsizing. However, if you are fishing in a relatively easy fishing spot, it might not be necessary.
- Protect yourself from the elements
Out in the ocean, you are at the complete mercy of the elements. Even when you want to return, you will have to row a good long while before you can find shelter. That is why it is essential to protect your skin against the sun. Wearing sunscreen while going for ocean kayak fishing is an absolute must.
In addition, you want to check the weather forecast for the day before deciding to head out. Ocean weather can be quite unpredictable, and the slightest hint of a storm can be felt sorely when you are in the middle of the ocean. That is why it is a good idea to avoid kayaking in the ocean during bad weather.
- Keep an emergency communication device
Kayaking is an oddly spiritual and relaxing experience. If you like to go ocean kayak fishing alone, that is completely fine. However, you should keep some form of communication device on you to call for help in case you run into any unfortunate situation.
A VHF radio is typically the best choice as a communication device when you are out in the ocean. In addition, you should keep flares, strobes, or reflectors that you can use in case of an emergency. These signaling devices can attract ships or other kayaks from far away.
Final Thoughts
Sure, there are many great challenges to ocean kayak fishing, but the rewards that it brings are immense. It offers an exhilarating experience, and the opportunity to catch delicious saltwater fishes is a reward all on its own. To avoid the danger you must have good knowledge about the risks involved in kayak fishing.
We hope our article could give you a good insight into offshore kayak fishing. If you are planning to take on this challenge, our tips and tricks should make it easier for you.
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