Benefits of Kayak Fishing
For most people, the decision to use a kayak for fishing comes after being a successful angler. In other words, the skill for fishing has been developed but the way to get to the fish is being changed. There are several basic reasons that people switch to or add kayaks to their fishing routine.
• First, kayaks are much easier to transport and store than other boats.
• That leads to the next advantage which is cost. A kayak is much less expensive than any type of motorboat, to begin with, and it does not require much maintenance or expensive gasoline to propel it. Registration fees and permits may also be much cheaper. • For the avid fisherman, however, the greatest advantage of a kayak is stealth. There is less of a shadow, no noisy motor and the ability to move into very shallow water.
While those three points are all valid, there is also the likelihood that you truly want to experience the peace and quiet that fishing from a kayak provides or the added thrill of being virtually in the fish's element hunting and fighting him. There is nothing more elemental than being on the water in a small craft and feeling the enormity of nature all around you.
Physical Demands of Kayak Fishing
Recreational kayaking is not terribly demanding, but since it may involve more exercise than you are used to or situations that can create a shock to your system such as falling into cold water, talking to your doctor about potential health risks is a good idea. A generally good level of physical fitness enables you to paddle without too much exertion and leaves you with the strength and energy to actually fish.Contrary to what many people believe, the arms and shoulders are not the keys to good paddling. The core muscles should perform most of the work as you rotate side to side for a powerful stroke. These muscles include the abdominals, hips and lower back and are also responsible for posture and stability. There are exercises that can build up the core muscles and basic stretches to limber your body up for maximum flexibility before hitting the water. The shoulders and arms need strength for fighting and landing a big fish.
Cardio-respiratory fitness relates to endurance as much as overall strength does, if not more. The physical demands on the body require a good blood oxygen supply so the ability to breath smoothly through exertion without raising the heart rate enables you to perform well without developing cramps or exhaustion. Cross-training provides the opportunity to address each of the muscle groups and increase cardio fitness. Swimming is an excellent activity because of the focus on the core as well as other muscles, stretching for flexibility and controlled breathing at a faster rate. Before heading out on the water, it is a good idea to warm up by stretching each muscle group starting from your head and progressing all the way down to your feet. Look in Appendices for a list of warming up and cooling down exercises.
Proper nutrition and adequate hydration are also important elements for general fitness. Snacking occasionally as well as eating a balanced lunch helps keep the body's chemical balance in line and drinking plenty of water, a liter every two hours, keeps you awake and alert.
A Word of Advice
Although kayaking is very popular and not too hard to master, it is a water sport and requires a good degree of common sense and logic. You need to face a few facts before you invest any time or money in buying equipment. You have to be able to swim and cannot be afraid of getting dumped into the water. Unlike fishing from a powerboat, a kayak virtually guarantees that you will 'turtle' or tip over at least once, but probably a lot more. If you are prone to panic, kayaking is probably not a good idea nor is it if you do not realize and respect the power of the water and the potential strength of the fish.
To ensure a good experience, the best course of action is to take lessons from an approved, licensed kayaking instructor. This will provide you with the basics of kayaking, especially the safety and self-rescue techniques that may mean the difference between life and death. Once you fry kayaking, it will probably become your favorite activity next to fishing, so combining the two will only make sense.
Joining a local kayak fishing club or a division of a larger organization can also provide you with many tips based on the combined experience of the members and the opportunity to join others as you get used to fishing by kayak Your interest may blossom into a passion and you will be interested in participating in a tournament.
Many opportunities exist for the kayak fisherman so it's time to get started learning how it works! Video explaining The basics of getting started.
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