Fish Sniffer On Demand Digital Edition Issue 3903 Jan 17-31 2020 | Page 8

6 Jan 17-31, 2020 VOL.39 • ISS.3 Spotlight On Kayak Fishing... Sponsered by Kayak City in Citrus Heights, CA Kayak City.Com 916.565.1400 Why Kayak Fishing? By Kevin Hofer I’m often asked, why kayak fishing? Why not just get a boat? I usually answer with a simple, “ I own boats, they sit unused, I prefer to fish out of the kayak.” Most of the time this ends the conversation but, other times people really want to know. So, I share with them the same things I am going to share with you today. I bought my first kayak because I was tired of fishing from the shore and it was all that I could afford at the time. I wanted to get out on the water and explore, and on a miniscule budget, a kayak was the best option. So, affordability in the beginning did play a large role, but as years went on and I was able to justify it, I bought a boat. It was fun for a while, but the expensive upkeep and pain towing it places had me taking the kayak out more and more. Not breathing in exhaust fumes as well as no engine noise were a few other reasons I was enjoying my time out paddling more than boating. Add on the benefits of the exercise one gets when kayaking and the reasons to leave the boat home keep stacking up! Another major aspect of kayak fishing that I love, is being able to access water that others cannot. I can get dropped off with my kayak by a bridge on the side of the road, haul my gear down to the river, fish for however long I choose and get picked up down river. Or, I can pull up on the levy to the same spots I used to shore fish and now slide my kayak down and access so much more fishy water. When the brush gets too thick or logs block the path, the kayak can find a way around or through. Or when it gets real nasty portage is an easy option. Show up to a high-country Sierra lake and there is no boat launch, no problem at all! Even if that lake is 100yards to 5 miles from the parking lot, with a little motivation and a good set of wheels, getting the kayak on what will feel like your own private lake is totally doable. Cliffs or damns…. Don’t let these stop you from getting out on the water and enjoying a day of fishing! Bring ropes, a friend, some kayaks and make it happen. A few small waves breaking on the beach you want to launch from, maybe not an ideal situation for the beginning kayaker, but with a little practice launching and landing can be done safely. So, kayaks are affordable and extremely versatile, the one important factor I have not mentioned is how much fun they can be. To me the ultimate thrill in kayak fishing is hooking into a big fish and having it tow you around. It always puts a huge smile on my face and is an experience every fisherman should have. Watching a friend or family member that you took out fishing, get towed around is just as, if not more pleasurable. Whether you just want a mellow day out paddling some flat water, enjoying the scenery while you troll around or soak some bait at the local lake. Or you are in the mood for drifting down some rapids and fishing some tailwaters, or anywhere in-between, I highly recommend getting out and demoing a kayak at a retailer near you. AMERICA’S FAVORITE LANDING NET BRAND! 55555 "BEST NET I HAVE OWNED" "EXCELLENT HIGH QUALITY NET" "GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE" SAVVY ANGLERS VISIT WWW.EGOFISHING.COM