On a Mission

KAYAK FISHING IS NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE Barely a decade ago only the bravest paddlers and watermen would venture outside protected bays and rivers, with shallow water redfish and black drum, seatrout and flounder the primary inshore species targeted from the stealthy crafts. Today, boundaries have all but been eliminated with a new breed of fearless fishermen rewriting the book on what’s achievable from just a few feet of cockpit space.

Thanks in part to computer-aided designs and advances in manufacturing processes and materials, leading kayak brands have answered the call from demanding paddle enthusiasts looking for wider and more seaworthy platforms suited to accept nearly every conceivable option. The newest kayaks are born to fish leaving the factory outfitted with incredible standard equipment. However, anglers have a host of aftermarket accessories to choose from including down riggers, live wells, coolers, fish bags sunlight viewable multifunction displays, integrated tackle trays and compartments, molded-in rod holders and more.

Propulsion systems now range from paddle to pedal to electric motor with multiple anchoring options also available. These new boats are faster, safer and built to handle the open ocean with ease. With comfort and angler success at the forefront they open the door for an untold number of fitness-friendly fishing fanatics who otherwise couldn’t reach quality fish in deep water.

Perhaps the most exciting development in the kayak fishing arena—one of the fastest growing segments of our sport year after year—is offshore fishing tournaments where experienced paddlers launch directly from the beach through breaking waves before heading straight for the horizon. Presenting tempting live bait in blue water results in thrilling one-on-one encounters with hard fighting sailfish, king mackerel, wahoo, tuna, dolphin and more. These highly prized species continue to persuade kayak fishermen to push the limits of their mental and physical prowess. Do you have what it takes?

Structure oriented snapper, grouper and powerful jack species are also taken by paddlers who choose to work metal jigs in the vicinity of high profile wrecks and bait rich reefs, now easily located and identified by compact GPS units full color sonar screens.