| At the turn of the new century, eight years ago, | | | | are common now. Each season more fishermen learn |
| fishermen would laugh at a kayak being taken out of | | | | that you can actually bump into tailing redfish in a |
| the bed of a truck. Many would gather with curiosity | | | | quietly drifting kayak. Others will find that bait fish in |
| sometimes joking about toy boats. Kayak fisherman | | | | the Gulf may hide in the shadow of the boat bringing |
| put up with the good matured ribbing while preparing | | | | predators within close reach. To the fish a kayak is a |
| their boats for the water. Kayaks are launched by | | | | silent shadow offering no threat. |
| just pushing off the beach. The most common type | | | | There are many advantages to kayak fishing. You |
| is the wide, stable sit-on-top style. Quick paddle | | | | stay out of the water avoiding possible encounters |
| strokes move the boat through the surf zone past | | | | with sting rays or other predators. After a while |
| the guys up to their necks in the water. | | | | some wade fishermen are just tired of being wet. An |
| Kayaks can reach feeding shoals of fish waders could | | | | owner of a power boat may opt for the silence as |
| never dream to reach. | | | | well as the sport of quietly stalking fish. |
| Rod holders on the back of the boat can hold | | | | A kayak can be acquired for under $1000.00. |
| alternate sets of tackle for all kinds of species. An ice | | | | Compare that with a $50,000 center console. In this |
| chest in the front tank well holds water and treats. A | | | | era of rising gas prices thousands can be saved. No |
| marine battery can power a navigation system, a | | | | trailer is needed. The kayak will fit in the back of a |
| depth finder and lights. Tackle boxes are carefully set | | | | pick up or in a mount atop a car. Launching is simple |
| into the gear wells carefully sealed against water. A | | | | and the exercise is great. All you have to worry |
| live bait system with aeration can be placed in | | | | about is how buffed you will become from paddling |
| another well with oxygenation operating off that | | | | out to fish. |
| marine battery. A battery powered radio assures | | | | To start enjoying kayak fishing in the Gulf of Mexico |
| safety with the latest weather information. Cell | | | | try as many kayaks as possible in the water. Many |
| phones or two way radios add another level of | | | | shops are located near a pond or lake. You must |
| safety. Careful kayakers always leave a float plan to | | | | paddle kayaks to find a good fit. Be sure your kayak |
| describe where they will fish. Many kayakers use | | | | is outfitted with rod holders that can be easily |
| depth finders just as accurate as those found on | | | | reached. After that you can get as elaborate as you |
| huge ocean going yachts. | | | | want. A kayak can be outfitted as completely as a |
| The kayaker may stop just past the sandy breaker | | | | well equipped fishing yacht. Batteries can be added to |
| zone in water where the green waves come in as | | | | power depth finders and navigation systems. Be sure |
| gentle rollers. Some kayakers actually fish the open | | | | to try out the paddle styles to find those that work |
| ocean for very large species. The Gulf of Mexico can | | | | with your hands. Add safety equipment such as two |
| be alive with bait fish jumping while other species | | | | way radios, distress beacons. Don't forget to always |
| stream under the boat in shoals. Many fishermen | | | | wear a properly fitted life jacket. |
| decide to set up drifts. After preparing the tackle a | | | | Get some instruction in how to remount the kayak |
| piece of cut bait can be slipped on a circle hook | | | | should you fall into the water. Even though that even |
| attached to a steel leader. Others will choose to cast | | | | is very rare safety is everything on the Gulf of |
| lures. Some will troll spoons. But, whatever bait type | | | | Mexico. Getting back in is relatively easy if you know |
| is chosen casting far isn't an issue because the boat | | | | the tricks. The tackle you select for the kayak won't |
| is right over the fish. | | | | be as long as that used for standard surf fishing. You |
| A sea anchor can be dropped off the stern to do a | | | | don't cast as far from a kayak. Finally be sure your |
| controlled drift. Minutes may pass before the reel | | | | kayak has room for a bait system. And, you must of |
| begins to sing. After setting the hook a large species | | | | course have room for an ice chest full of cold drinks |
| may take the kayak for a ride. The stable kayak will | | | | and food. Then for your comfort select a seat that |
| follow along like a puppy on a leash. When the fish is | | | | will support your back. A seat can be a life saver |
| tired of pulling the boat the fisherman can gain line. | | | | during a long day of fishing. |
| Soon sunlight flashing off scales will be seen through | | | | When the kayak is outfitted start fishing the quiet |
| the green water. Predicting what will show on the line | | | | bays of the gulf first. Then practice launching through |
| is impossible. What is certain is that fun comes with | | | | the surf with an empty boat. When you have |
| the fish. | | | | mastered the surf launch then you can start enjoying |
| Now eight years after the turn of the century the | | | | the Gulf of Mexico from the vantage point of a |
| kayak as a fishing platform in the Gulf of Mexico is | | | | kayak. A fishing style filled with thrills and adventure |
| really popular. Kayaks designed specifically for fishing | | | | will be yours. |