Searched this sub‘s history, but only found one post with few responses so I figured I’d ask again.
I’m heading to a lake house in New York for a family vacation this summer. The rental comes with two touring sit-in kayaks that we can use (pictured). I’ve fished from touring sit-on-top kayaks before, but never a sit-in. I’m hoping for some tips/advice, specifically with:
-Gear storage and management
-What to do when I actually catch something
-General safety tips
Anything and everything helps, thank you in advance!
Posted by RadDad815
4 Comments
always wear a PFD.
not much different from a sit-on-top really. i actually find it easier to manage a paddle from a sit-in than a sit-on top because you can usually rest it on the gunwales. sure you’ll be more enclosed and less able to move around that a SOT with a high rise seat but it’s not bad if the kayak has a good overall seat!
you may find it harder to cast sidearm or skip baits, but still doable once you get the angle as a sit-in will put you lower or below the waterline.
use watertight tackle boxes or a dry bag, then you can use the kayak bungees to secure it and have it at hand, otherwise they’ll fit nicely behind the seat or in front. use hatches for stuff you dont need to get in/out of while paddling.
Use a rod with a short butt if you can.
Tie your rod to you or your boat, attach your net to your boat, attach anything you dont want to lose to the boat. Jig or troll behind the boat or just sot and cast. If you’re in moving water have a plan on how to fight the fish and keep the boat in control. If fighting a big fish alert any other anglers nearby in their boats so they can avoid you as you fight. Have a stringer attached to the boat or be prepared to toss the fish down to your feet. Have fun, wear a PFD, and use plenty of sunblock.
Fish with light tackle. If they run under you, and you’ve got heavy gear, your going swimming.