Fish Sniffer On Demand Digital Edition Issue 3903 Jan 17-31 2020 | Page 7

VOL.39 • ISS. 3 Jan 17-31, 2020 HOW TO... 5 Kayak Trout Notes… < Here we see Cal Kellogg’s Kayak City Hobie Pro Angler 14 kayak. Driven by the Hobie Mirage Drive, the Hobie Pro Angler is the world’s most sophisticated and efficient fishing kayak. > Simplicity, portability, affordability and stealth are the hallmarks of fishing kayaks and they are a perfect platform for Norcal trout anglers. < > Kayak Attack For Winter Trout! A ggressive trout, solitude, simplicity and more destinations than you can explore in a lifetime…If you’re not into kayak trout fishing, you need to get started! When is the best time for trout kayak fishing? I’d say anytime you can get on the water be it a mountain lake, small impoundment, large reservoir or even a river or tailwater fishery. While I hammer trout out of my Hobie Kayak all year long, winter is my hands down favorite time to fish. The cold months offer many advantages for the kayak equipped trout angler. In the winter the trout in reservoirs are typically up near the surface and aggres- sively feeding on baitfish, while river trout tend to stack up in shallow runs where they get maximum benefit from the weak winter sun. In both situations, the trout are highly vulnerable to an angler trolling and casting from a nimble, stealthy ‘yak. If you’re not up to date on what’s been going on in the kayaking scene you might be imagining a bearded ’70’s adventurer with wet shoulder length hair flowing from beneath a helmet sitting in a tight around the waist whitewater kayak… Well beards are back, but the fishing kayaks we have today aren’t your daddy’s whitewater kayak. Some guys are able to fish just fine from a paddle kayak, but in my view a “peddle drive” kayak is absolutely essential for serious fishing especially if you intend to troll. Some brands utilize sophisticated fin propulsion systems. Other use a propeller much like the prop you see on an electric trolling motor. Yes, you can attach an electric motor to a kayak too, but I’m trying to stick to the basics. Both props and fins have their supporters. I’m a fin guy myself and I’m amazed by the power and efficiency they offer. I can hit top speeds of 5 miles per hour in my Pro Angler. I often troll for 5 or 6 hours without a break without a real feeling of fatigue. The stability, capacity and storage incorporated into the modern fishing kayak is amazing. Truth be told I have better immediate access to tackle, steering and speed control in my kayak then I do when I’m running a big aluminum sled. In a kayak the rods I’m fishing are either in my hand or in rod holders within easy reach. Below those there are several more rods positioned in storage tubes ready to be called into service in seconds. Tackle, net, sonar unit? All of it surrounds my seat and is quickly acces- sible. Since everything is tethered nothing gets lost. During the winter, I’ll often pack a stove and accessories in the kayak’s main storage compartment. There is nothing better than a hot shore lunch on a cold winter day! This year one of the big events I’m looking forward too is my annual winter kayak camping trip. I’ll pick out a big reservoir and spend 4 or 5 days fishing and exploring while never setting up camp in the same cove twice. FISH SNIFFER HOW – TO A lot of folks that haven’t been in a fishing kayak think they are uncomfortable to fish from. Nothing could be further from the truth. Fishing kayaks are extremely comfortable and when you are in the cockpit you are surrounded by everything you need to fish including your net, rod holders, sonar unit and more! Here we see Fish Sniffer Editor and Kayak City Pro Cal Kellogg with his fishing partner Lucy. Notice both Cal and Lucy are wearing life jackets. A life jacket is an absolute must for man or Labrador alike whenever heading out on a kayak...No exceptions! presents by Cal Kellogg Why Kayak For Trout? I think the biggest advantages for kayak borne trouters come in the form of simplicity, portability and affordability. After getting my first kayak, it didn’t take me long to realize that kayaking is a lot easier and less stressful than dealing with a traditional boat. Toss your kayak in the bed of the truck with a tote holding your gear, life vest and other safety equipment and you’re ready to roll. And CONTINUED ON PG 18