Smallmouth Bass Fishing

[Originally Published: 4-10-2004]

Last summer, while I was wading in the Susquehanna River near my home, two kayakers came around an island and stopped a couple hundred yards above me where I was eventually going to be making some casts. They caught some nice smallmouths from the rocks I was slowly headed towards. Before I knew it they slipped away. I was a bit irritated….and envious.

I hadn’t even thought about buying one myself until this year when I was thinking about how to maximize my fishing time, now that time is scarce with a 3 year old to chase after. After doing some research I made my purchase and now I’m ready to hit the water. I will however, steer clear of any waders. I’ve been there and know how it is!

Fishing from a kayak is becoming so popular that kayak manufacturers now produce models specific to the sport. These models are based on the recreational hulls. They come loaded with all of the accessories you would need to add to make your kayak fishing ready. It isn’t necessary to buy the “fishing” model. You can purchase the recreational model and outfit it yourself. Either way you will have a lean, mean fishing machine!

Popular Kayak Makes/Models Used for Fishing

• Dagger Blackwater
• Perception Axcess
• Perception Swifty
• Old Town Loon
• Old Town Predator (pictured above)
• Wilderness Systems Pamlico
• Wilderness Systems Pungo

Kayaking Accessories You Will Need

• Paddle
• Life Vest / PFD
• Emergency Whistle
• Dry Bag

Outfitting / Rigging Your Kayak for Fishing
In order to get your kayak fishing ready you will need to add many items normally found on traditional fishing boats. Because you are limited in moving around a kayak you will want things to be positioned in a certain place. The best way to make sure everything is where you want it is to use your kayak for a while before mounting rod holders, etc.

Options for Rigging

• Rod Holders (Scotty)
• Recessed Rod Holders
• Paddle Holders
• Anchor System
• Extra deck rigging
• Drain Plug

By: Matthew Leo, Originally Published: 4-10-2004

*Update - While some of this info still applies, I started using a sit on top kayak for smallmouth bass fishing in 2006 and have not looked back. Info on sit on top kayaks for smallmouth bass fishing will be covered in future posts.