Fishing Angles (kayak fishing): Making Reel Choices

January 2009

Spinning reels are a good first pick for their adaptability, but they have their limitations; local knowledge may help

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

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This angler fights a fish with a level-wind reel, but has a spinning rig in his rod holder as a back-up.

By Dan Armitage

AS WITH THE KAYAK you likely already own, the fishing tackle you already have will likely be suitable for fishing from your favorite paddle-powered craft. What makes exercising the angling option so easy is that it really does not require much equipment, and whether you prefer spinning, spin-casting, bait-casting or fly fishing tackle, they can all be used from a kayak.

On the other hand, if you are just now testing these waters and are not already an angler, or at least equipped as one, there is some excellent fishing tackle available and at reasonable prices. There is even some tackle designed specifically for use from kayaks.

When we talk tackle, fishermen are primarily referring to the type of rod and reel being used. There are four major categories of rod and reel rigs: spinning, spin-casting, bait-casting and fly tackle. Without getting into too much detail, the biggest difference between the first three are in the reels, which hold the line; fly fishing is an entirely separate category (or “beast,” as any veteran fly angler will attest to).

Rod leashes like this one securing the spinning rod in its holder in the bow can save the fishing rig – and the day.

I believe spinning tackle to be the most adaptable of the three and a good first choice for most anglers. Spin casting tackle, with its push-button line release and other simplicities, is easier to use and cast – and therefore a good choice for young anglers or those who may be “casting challenged.’ But it has its limitations. Spinning tackle takes a bit more practice to cast but pays dividends in casting distance and accuracy, line capacity, drag sensitivity, balance and overall quality.

Bait-casting reels, also known as level-wind reels, are a bit harder to learn to cast without tangles caused by back-lashing, when the spool overruns the line, but are a popular choice as well. Just prepare for a learning curve when practicing the casting; once you master it, bait-casting rigs are the most accurate in the hands of a skilled caster.

One of the best things you can do when considering outfitting yourself with tackle for kayak fishing is to go to your local kayak shop and ask about the type of tackle that is used by other customers who are fishing from their kayaks, and what they recommend for the type of fishing you are most likely to experience locally. If much of the fishing involves trolling, with the rod in a holder aboard the boat, or vertical fishing, then bait-casting or level-wind equipment might be the best choice.

As for the size, I think a 12-pound-class rod and reel is very adaptable and suitable for catching everything from ‘sweet-water’ bass, bluegills and trout to tangling with snappers, snook and rockfish in the salt. Both spinning and bait-casting rigs are available in that popular size or class, so-named for the breaking strength (12 pounds) of the line that it is designed to be used with. You can get a great rod and reel rig for less than $100, and a good setup for half that price.

Whether you go with bait-casting, spin-casting or spinning tackle, however, you will want to buy the longest rod recommended for the size class you are considering. I think any kayak fishing rod should be at least six feet long to allow you to reach out over and clear the bow and stern with the rod tip while fighting a fish, with seven feet not too long for most cases. The longer rod also will allow longer casts, which is important from your low-profile casting position. Long rods are also more forgiving of mistakes, like setting the drag too tight, attempting to horse a fish in or stop a run. The lengthier ‘stick” also allows you to reach down deep to unhook snags that will occur if you are angling around fish-holding cover such as brush, fallen trees, weed beds, docks and rocks.

One final piece of rod and reel advice: buy a rod leash and use it to secure your rig to your kayak. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to drop your rod and reel overboard – or have it fall off your lap or ‘jump’ out of a rod holder – until it happens once or twice.

Dan Armitage is a boating, fishing and travel writer based in the Midwest. He is a licensed (USCG Master) captain, hosts a syndicated radio show, and presents kayak fishing seminars at boat shows.