Page 19 - Outdoor Oklahoma - May/June 2021 Issue

Long, narrow kayaks are faster and less stable (easier to Learn how to get back into your kayak should you fall out by
flip over) than short, wide kayaks. If you primarily fish small going out and practicing re-entry in shallow and deep water,
reservoirs or farm ponds, the need for speed really isn’t a fac- and have someone else there in another boat to help you if
tor. The longer, narrower boats cover more distance faster and you can’t get back on your kayak.
also paddle (or peddle) easier into the wind. Many kayaks in Finally, it’s time to make a fishing craft out of it. The amount
the 12- to 14-foot range track well and are still plenty stable. and type of customizing you do is up to you. But rather than
Also, pay attention to the kayak’s weight capacity. The clos- getting carried away with every gadget on the market, let
er the weight of you and your gear is to the kayak’s weight your fishing style dictate how to rig your kayak. Many accesso-
capacity, the lower the boat will ride on the water and the less ries can be obtained inexpensively or even made from unused
water-worthy it will be. household items. Old cell phone cords make great paddle and
Once you’ve narrowed your search, go for a test-paddle. A rod keepers. Ice chests transform into floating tackle boxes or
used-kayak seller should let you take it for a test float, if for no bait tanks. A plastic milk bottle can hold extra gear and tackle.
other reason than to assure you the boat doesn’t leak. Just make Adding a few pieces of PVC to the right spot on your kayak
sure it is comfortable, paddles well, and that it’s watertight. provides rod holders.
Renting a kayak is also an option to test various types. Take With some creativity and Internet research, there is no
your time, do some research, and get a kayak that works for shortage of resources available to answer questions and solve
you (after you have paddled it). rigging issues you might encounter.
Every kayak needs a paddle, and they come in a number of Kayaks allow you to get on the water for cheap. You just
styles and lengths. Aluminum, fiberglass, and carbon are the might be surprised at how much fun you can have spending so
most common paddle shaft materials. Aluminum paddles are little money. And they make great fishing platforms. What you
the heaviest (and cheapest), and carbon paddles are the light- sacrifice in speeding all over the lake is more than offset by
est and priciest. The lighter the paddle, the longer you’ll be the kayak’s greatest attribute: stealth. No 20-foot boat sneaks
able to use it before you get tired. up to a sunken brush pile, roadbed, or shallow rocky point like
And every kayaker needs a comfortable Personal Floatation. a well-paddled kayak!
Wearing one at all times is a must for any responsible pad-
dler. The possibility that you will wind up in the water is much — By Jim Burroughs, Fisheries Regional Supervisor,
greater in a kayak than in a boat. and Danny Bowen, Fisheries Biologist (Retired)

COREY JAGER/ODWC

Longtime kayak angler Danny Bowen catches a nice bass on a recent outing.
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