any paddlers here? (kayak/canoe tips and tricks)

[itsasmallfarm]

hello everyone itsasmallfarm here.

just got a kayak for the first time (its a pelican odyssey 100x) sit in kayak. now i can't wait to get out on the water (as of the time of writing this i think there is like 2-3 feet of ice on the water)

so does anyone have tip or tricks on using a kayak? fishing from one, paddling tricks etc...

but please feel free to share story's and tales of your paddling trips.

thank you for reading itsasmallfarm out

 

[Speedychicken27]

I use to kayack but now I pattle board. You know how to control your self if not I can help but fishing can be difficult I would get a rod holder so you can pattle!

 

[Speedychicken27]

I live in michagan and one year it was so warm not many of the lakes froze (not this year just got 4 in of snow) but I got it and decided to go paddle boarding out on the lake in my winter gear!

 

[naf_appaz]

Lotta fun, been kayak fishing for years. Expect to be frustrated at first! Lot more to learn than paddle out and and drop a line. Be safe don't venture to far until you feel comfortable, wind can come up fast. Make floats for anything you don't want to lose. You learn every time out how to better organize your trip...a small anchor is useful, also a safety strap for your paddle. Back up radio to your cell phone good idea if you plan to paddle more than an easy paddle back to where you launch. Just get very comfortable handling your kayak before you load all your tackle boxes and poles your first time out. Also bring a life jacket or safety float and something to bail out kayak in emergency. Sit in kayaks are much harder to get into in deep water than sit on tops should you capsize. They are very stable as long as your butt is in the seat but even elevating yourself with a few inches of something to sit on can make them a lot more tippy. Safety first, organize what you take...very good idea to practice getting back into your boat from deep water before you go out very far. Very good idea to fish with a buddy specially if you are out of sight from someone watching or further than you can easily swim to safety.

 

[itsasmallfarm]

never got to go kayaking this year

was a busy year and never got around to it. hoping to get out this coming spring, maybe ever use it for hunting purposes (like setting out decoys)

 

[Tonyg503504]

You probably know how to rotate your paddle slightly as you switch from one side to the other a more advanced tip i think its called eskimo roll or something youtube it its where if you tip over you flip yourself back with your paddle in kayak school on the columbia they made us practice this in a swim pool before we could go in class 4 whitewater

 

[Tonyg503504]

never got to go kayaking this year

was a busy year and never got around to it. hoping to get out this coming spring, maybe ever use it for hunting purposes (like setting out decoys)

 

[Tonyg503504]

 

[itsasmallfarm]

i really want to go kayaking lol. been watching videos and reading articles on it and it looks so fun, now the issue is waiting for the 2-3 feet of ice to melt off the lake and then warm up enough to enjoy it lol.

but once the weather warms up plan on going to my family's lake to do some practice. should be fun.

 

[archeryrob]

I have been canoeing all my life and kayaking and fishing in them for the past ten years after I sold the canoe.

• Use the 120 degree rule, the water and air need to add up to 120 or you need protective gear when in the kayak. The involuntary gasp and cold water can kill you faster than you realize. I wrote about that here for new paddlers. Wait for the water to warm or get better gear.
• Balance is all planting your butt and shifting your shoulders. Once out for a while you will see what I mean.
• You paddle with your arms but your real power comes from torso rotation. If you try and paddle hard with only your arms you'll wear out fast.
• Get one of these boxes and make a leash for it with a carabener to clip tot he kayak. Walmart has them in the outdoor section and I put my phone, keys and wallet in it before leaving the ramp.
• Never not wear a PDF when first starting and never not wear one when the water is cold at all. Get a good one that is comfortable.
• One fishing I got a bunch of DIY hacks I did and you can read them here if they work for you.
  
• My daughter has a SinK or Sit in Kayak and its below with two rod holders and the back is the flag light attachment.
• If you stay with it you'll probably find if yu are ever on bigger water you'll like a 12' model and a sit on top. But what you have will catch fish just fine.