03-28-2014, 10:33 AM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 82
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Kayak Bass Angling
Bass are a fairly common species of fish and one that can be found with relative ease across North American fresh water, so I figured laying down some tips, tricks and facts could lead to a productive discussion. Please keep in mind as you're reading I am by no means attempting to come across as an expert, just sharing what I have found success with in my areas...
Gear
- Depending on the size of your rig and the breadth of your cupboard you would do well to have at least two rods with you.
- Line from 10 to 50 pound test rating, you want heavy line for when the bass tries to break for thick cover, a lighter line will snap easily if you're not working with the correct drag on your reel. I've been successful with hook sizes 1 and 2 for typical live or synthetic bait.
- If using bait I've found that loading the hook with bait, say several grubs (live or synthetic) is far better for attracting the big ones, a small single piece of bait is more than likely to attract crappies or pan fish.
- If you prefer lures, go for the spinning variety, preferably flecked with silver. Use lighter and smaller rods and reels with 4 to 8 pound line.
Tips:
- Dont stick to one location just because you've pulled a bass out, they move with the tide so keep that in mind.
- Bass like rocky areas the most.
- Bass angling from a Kayak means you can stay on those outer areas long after shore fishers have packed it in.
- Trolling a plug lure out behind your kayak is a good way to attract fish as you move across rocky or sandy shoals. Put the rod in the holder, set your drag appropriately so the reel will take the first bite. The noise of the drag will alert you so dont worry about missing a thing.
- Bass like to attack prey from below, so keep that in mind when trying to find an appropriate depth for your lure.
- Buy your lures in pairs, Murphy's law dictates that if your lure is working well that day it will be lost to a snag. Certainly.
- Bass fishing from a Kayak allows you to access small ponds and rivers that powerboats cannot. A good trick is to fish small backwaters that are connected with larger bodies known for bass populations. Thats right, use a map. If good bass can be found in the larger body they will certainly be found in the back waters, also because backwaters see less traffic the fishing is usually excellent.
- When using shot line flips or jigs in weedy pockets, cast out in front of the nose of the kayak, that why when you set the hook it is against the lengthwise stability of the kayak and not across which leads to rocking.
- Because your low in the water on a kayak you can use sidearm techniques to get under overhangs in those coveted shady and weedy areas you know they love.
I suppose that is a good enough place to start, hopefully you guys can add your own personal anecdotes and morsels and we can build a great resource for ourselves 
Last edited by mick; 03-28-2014 at 10:35 AM.
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