Florida Kayak Fishing

Kayak fishing in and of itself is an ever growing phenomenon that is seeing growth in all parts of the world. There are many reasons that anglers are flocking to kayaks. These include the gambit from costs to the intimate experience that you have on the water that only a kayak can provide. Whatever the reasons, combine kayak angling with the Fishing Capital of the World and it is no surprise that Florida kayak fishing is seeing uniquely large growth throughout the state. Florida not only offers freshwater favorites in lakes and rivers, but also offers kayakers unique access to back country and offshore fishing as well. Several groups, companies, and organizations dedicated to the kayak fishing industry have based themselves here in Florida for these very same reasons.

For me its saltwater targeted fishing throughout South Florida on a regular basis. My ventures take me any where from Flamingo flats fishing to Pompano Beach offshore fishing. It is always a mind resetting adventure into myself, as much as it is about the fishing and location. When by myself, it becomes a moment of osmosis between myself and the surroundings I'm in. The challenges are real and so are the rewards. Kayak fishing has become the thing that defines who I am. The Boston Whaler has been collecting dust for over two years and is soon to be sold. Sure the distances becomes greater when traveling by human power, winds can define your day, and there is no quick escape from weather. But, the trip, the obstacles, and mother natures decisions are just as much of the adventure as hooking into a 300lb tarpon or getting a sleigh ride from sailfish off the coast of Pompano. This is what Florida kayak fishing is all about, the journey.

When venturing into public boating waters, when the weather turns, or when a fish can drag you miles away from your area a kayaker must always be prepared to protect themselves by ensuring safety measures are met. This starts with the basics of knowing your physical limits. When kayaking for the first time it is recommended to stay within the back country or in wind protected waters and to remain close to your launch point - this is the plan. You will get your first taste of what paddle propulsion feels like, how it effects your body, how your energy levels are engaged, and what limits you have. Once you have done this a few times, you will see yourself pushing further and further. One day you'll find that 12 hours have gone by and your are not phased at all. This is conditioning yourself, and without this conditioning you are bound to fail. Florida kayak fishing is far from a walk in the park. It is a ritual of constant physical conditioning and skill building.

Kayaking in public waters where boating traffic is common is not something you should step into lightly. If you do not approach this with preparation and respect you will find yourself sitting in the middle of your first close call or worse- a physical injury. So how does a kayaker handle being amongst boating traffic? Be seen. That is about as basic as it gets. There are a number of blaze orange flags, lighting, and audible devices available specifically for the kayaker all over the place. Utilize them.

I own a bright yellow kayak, one I am very proud of. I came out of a kayak launch once and had a guy with a camouflage kayak say, "If you've seen one yellow kayak you've seen them all." Well, I shrugged that off and smiled. His was a nice olive drab green and black. I like natural colors.. but my kayak was purchased just after manufacture from New Zealand before it was released for sale here in the U.S., had at least 5 feet on his, has a built in live well, has a huge weight limit, set up for electronics, multi day adventures, and even a built in cooler. This is not your "seen them all" kayak as he described it. His priority was to have a cool kayak, and I suppose yellow isn't it.

I have spoken with people who have been waked over and impacted by power boats. So far all of them were in these natural colored kayaks, who basically blended in too well with their surroundings, and found themselves the victim of a speeding boat who simply could not make them out in time. I purchased a yellow kayak because I want to live and bright colors are definitely a consideration that all first time purchasers need to consider. And yes, I can quote those who had close calls or actually impacts as saying, "..only yellow kayaks from now on."

You also have to consider how your body will react during the Florida summers. Hot weather kayaking is not something to venture into lightly. It takes the right gear, the right protection, and the right physical preparation to expect to handle the Florida heat for any extended period of time. UV damage to your skin and eyes, dehydration, bugs, and a higher number of power boats on the water are all things that should be considered before venturing out.

My intent here was not to shy you away from kayak fishing. It is simply an attempt to give you the mental preparedness to deal with the things that you will face at one time or another. If you manage to understand and prepare for these, then kayak fishing is simply one of the best outlets you can have in your life - even if limited by the availability of time.

If you love fishing in Florida and if you love boating, then kayak fishing is something you will fall right into. I mean if you really love the trip as much as the sound of a screaming drag. Getting a Florida sleigh ride by a large trophy fish where its just you and him. He has you as much as you have him. And when the moment comes to see eye to eye, all alone, respect shared, and none of the pollution of the outside world.. well you simply cannot beat that.