Q&A
KAYAK FISHING
Q: Do you prefer using bait or lures when fishing from a kayak? TONY EDWARDS, CARDIFF, SOUTH WALES
GR says: That depends on the conditions. As a rule, if the water is clear with good visibility, then I will use lures. With clear water the fish will spot them easily and, hunting by sight, they should be able follow and strike. In murky water I prefer using bait.
The way I see it, once the water becomes murky then fish will stop hunting by vision and switch to other senses. This is when a smelly bait leaking scent trails will be the winner.
An exception to this would be the use of lures with internal rattles where the noise and vibration will be investigated by curious predators.
Q: What sort of licence do I need for a kayak? BRYAN ANDERSON, FAKENHAM, NORFOLK
GR says: There is no national legislation in the British Isles relating to kayak angling, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can launch from anywhere. Check locally to see if permissions are needed.
Private marinas, for example, may not be keen on allowing kayaks to be launched from their facilities, and busy harbours may also be no-go areas.
Check with a harbour authority or local tackle shop before launching.
Q: I want to start kayak fishing. How much will an entire set-up cost me? EDDIE ARMSTRONG, BY EMAIL
GR says: If your budget may be of concern, you don’t need the fanciest of kit to get you started. It would be foolish to go out and spend top money on all the gear to find out shortly after that the sport is not for you.
Start cheap if you have to, and sample the sport. If you like it, you can add to it. If you don’t, you haven’t shelled out too much.
Don’t get caught up in brands; my first kayak introduced me to the sport and served me well for a couple of years. I’ve had it rubbished by a few lads who think they know better but, for me, it was perfect. It got me started and it didn’t break the bank.
Q: Is there such a thing as the ‘perfect kayak’ for fishing? TONY EVERARD, BAGSHOT, SURREY
GR says: I would say that my Thresher 155 (pictured) is the perfect kayak for me, but another angler will disagree. The perfect kayak for you is the one that best suits your applications for it.
That said, a boat is never going to leave the factory as the perfect boat for every user. Invention is the mother of necessity, and nearly every angler has modified their vessel in a host of ways to make it the perfect boat for them.
Get a good reputable brand, and then with your own additions and modifications it will soon become the ‘perfect’ boat.
Q: What is the best way to rig a rod holder on a kayak? ANDREW FORSTER, VIA FACEBOOK
GR says: If you are not confident with using power tools, then ask somebody who is.
Once a kayak is drilled, no matter how new it is, the warranty is gone. Make sure all holes are drilled above the waterline, and use only marine-grade parts and sealant on any work that you do. Cheaper components will soon succumb to rust.
Make sure that the positioning is spot-on – once it’s there, it stays there. Measure twice, cut once!