Kayak Flyfishing            January 2007

Fly-fishing for redfish provided the original inspiration for me to start fly fishing from a kayak. Years ago, I was fly-fishing for redfish in the Louisiana marsh. I kept seeing redfish whose backs were exposed because the water was shallow - too shallow for me to reach them from my flats skiff.  In addition, the bottom was too soft for wading. The solution was a using a kayak: it enabled me to not only approach these fish, but do so quietly without disturbing them.

While the kayak offered me access to these fish, it did have disadvantages compared to the skiff.  I was successful while seated in the kayak when there was a visible indication of the presence of fish – with their backs out of the water, fish tailing, or feeding and pushing water.  When the fish were not indicating their presence or were in deeper water, it was difficult to sight fish:  I simply could not see them.   At times like these, I missed the height advantage provided by the poling tower on my flats skiff that afforded greater visibility.

I have solved this problem by using kayaks in which I can stand to see them. It is also easier to cast while standing. It allows you more freedom and range of motion to strip in your fly line, and vary your retrieve.

Another disadvantage that I found in the kayak was the limited cockpit space available for retrieving your fly line. This problem is easily solved by fishing out of kayaks that have a large cockpit area. It is also very important to have a deck and cockpit with as little clutter and obstructions as possible, for if there is anything for a fly line to catch on, it will find it. I realize that for other types of kayak fishing numerous rod holders, electronics, and other accessories are necessary. If you plan to fly fish from you kayak, they should be flush mounted or removable.

A kayak with a large obstruction-free cockpit also allows you to strip your fly line into the cockpit and place your fly rod on top of the line. When you get ready to cast just pick up your rod and make the cast. It helps to have a notch or a groove to rest the tip section of your fly rod in to keep it in place until you are ready to cast.

Anglers sometime find that while fly fishing from a seated position in a kayak, their fly hits the water behind them. This problem can be eliminated by starting a back cast with the rod tip close to the water with minimum slack in your fly line, then stopping your back cast at a higher degree of angle behind you. In other words, keep your back cast high.

Others have difficulty stripping their fly line in a manner that will make the fly work properly, or having the line in a position that will allow them to shoot the line on the next cast with no resistance. You can solve this challenge by stripping the line into the cock pit of the kayak. If conditions allow and you are using a floating line, you can strip the line overboard and let the momentum of your next cast pick it up off the water.

If you decide to strip the line overboard and there is wind or current moving the kayak, it is best to stop the kayak with your anchoring system or stake out pole. If you are using a sinking line, a method that works well is to place the reel under your arm and retrieve the line with both hands into the cock pit or a stripping basket. Other options to consider with your kayak:

· You can sometimes sit sideways on your kayak and retrieve your line into the cock pit or the compartment behind the seat, depending on which direction you are facing.
· If you are flats fishing and the bottom is firm enough to wade, you can eliminate the confinements of the kayak by wade fishing, towing the kayak behind you.
· You may also feel that you can fish better in moving water such as rivers or streams by getting out of your kayak and wading.

The pleasures of stalking and hooking fish out of a kayak far outweigh any difficulties that fly fishing from a kayak might present. Fly fishing and kayaks are the perfect marriage. One feeds off the other. If you have the appropriate kayak and have it rigged out properly, you should be able to “travel the road less traveled” and not only fish areas that are seldom if ever fished, but enjoy the solitude and beauty around you. Leave no trace!

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Jimbo's Cast Archive

December 2006 - Fly-fishing for False Albacore from a kayak

November 2006 - The Importance of a Kayak Fishing Guide

Sept/Oct 2006-  Jubilee

August 2006- Outfitting Your Kayak for Fishing

July 2006- Choosing a Fishing Kayak

June 2006 -   "Why I Started Fishing from a Kayak"

May 2006 -    "Jimbo Meador, Angler Philosopher"