By Paul Lebowitz

Most California kayak anglers are salty characters. That we’re drawn to the ocean is as natural as the saline that flows in our veins. It’s the big water, the challenge of the wild sea and her bountiful, powerful fish that captivate our attentions.

The ocean is such a magnetic attraction that relatively few hardcore kayak anglers sample the sweet water. Yet nationally, the numbers skew the other way. According to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, 82 percent of American anglers fish the fresh, leaving saltwater anglers in the minority. The trend holds true even in our coastal state.

Why are fishing kayaks a common sight in saltwater, but still a rarity at the state’s freshwater fishing holes? After all, the same qualities that make the kayak an outstanding ocean and bay fishing platform are assets on inland waters. Maybe more so.

I’m repeating myself, but it’s worth saying again. The kayak’s greatest strengths are stealth, the freedom from launch ramps, a weed and rock defeating shallow draft, next to no maintenance overhead, and an affordable price tag.

I figure there are two reasons freshwater kayak anglers are so scarce. First off, the fishermen who have the most to benefit from launching a kayak haven’t seen the light. I’m talking about the folks who are stuck on the bank, who don’t want the expense or constant maintenance that go hand in hand with owning a powerboat. These fishing fanatics in waiting may not realize how many more fish they’d catch if they could get off the shore.

To anyone tired of waiting for the fish to come within reach of a walkable shoreline, I say grab a kayak and go get ‘em. Fish the brush-covered banks for bass on the fall feed. Troll up Sierra trout or winter’s lowland stockers. Lake fishing is a great introduction to the sport.

Just about any sit-on-top kayak will do, and you can get by with minimal to no rigging. Collect a handful of simple tackle, tuck the rod under your leg, and you’re good to go.

KAYAK CATCH – The qualities that make kayaks effective saltwater fishing platforms are in effect in the fresh: stealth, the freedom from launch ramps, a weed and rock defeating shallow draft, next to no maintenance overhead, and an affordable price tag. PHOTO COURTESY KEITH MARTIN

AMPLE REASON TO RINSE OFF THE SALT – Fishing kayaks are a common sight on saltwater, where big fish beckon, but still a rarity inland. Fishing the sweet water brings its own rewards, like this Lake Tahoe beauty, so why not give it a try? PHOTO COURTESY NCKA

There’s a second reason kayak fishers aren’t exactly common on freshwater. Many hardcore saltwater guys aren’t taking full advantage of the craft’s portability. Throwing the ‘yak onto the roof rack doesn’t burn much extra gas, so why not give the sweet water a try? Something good keeps the 4 out 5 who regularly fish the fresh coming back for more.

Making the Most of Your Freshwater Sled
A prominent member of the Southern California fishing community once narrowed his eyes and told me when I finally grow up I’ll drop the kayak for a powerboat. I respect the gentleman’s vast experience, but that condescending attitude revealed a gap in his fishing wisdom.

Every platform has its particular strengths and weaknesses. Using a craft to its best advantage is the key to maximizing its performance. My ‘yak won’t get me out to the tuna grounds, but it does have a few distinct edges over a motorboat, not least of which is the thrill of a sleigh ride. Here’s a good one. With a kayak, travel time is fishing time.

A kayaker can’t dart about with the speed and range of powerboat. On the flip side, cruising speed is just right for stealthy trolling. That means a lure can be in the water at all times, perfect for searching out willing biters. Lures like the Rapala CD-3 CountDown minnow, a big trout staple, perform so effectively it seems they were designed with kayak fishing in mind. Spoons and spinners are good too, just remember a swivel to combat line twist.

For bass the hardbait trolling options are nearly endless. Shallow, medium and deep diving, shad or minnow pattern, floating or suspending, they all have their places. Outraged bass purists, please give me a break. Obviously when you’re paddling a kayak your hands are full. Think of the ‘yak as an extension of the pole that requires skill to be employed to full effect. A lure has to be presented at the correct depth, at the right speed and action, over fish-holding structure.

Once fish are found, kayakers can opt to cast and retrieve, but continuing to troll might be the best bet. Remember, most kayakers are at the mercy of the wind and current when they put down the paddle to pick up the fishing pole. Owners of Hobie Mirage Drive kayaks are different; they can navigate with their hands-free pedal systems while actively fishing.

For the most part kayak rigging is the same for freshwater or salt. There’s one big difference. Freshwater trolling is more effective and comfortable when the rod is in a holder where you can easily see it, in front of the cockpit. Then you can watch every twitch of the rod tip as the lure wiggles through the water. If the vibration stops but the pole doesn’t bend much, chances are the bait has snagged a weed. With the fishing rod up front you can dig in the paddle to set the hook the moment a fish hits.