Kayak Muskies!

Posted on August 6, 2009

#Imagine: the fish of 10,000 casts in a kayak? Yes, it's possible and one heck of an adrenaline rush.

Like any venture for large fish with teeth, it's very important to be prepared with the proper safety tools: long nosed pliers, jaw spreaders, bolt cutters and a way of safely landing a musky (a large net or lip grip). Make sure you have all your safety gear within arms' reach and always prepare for the worst case scenario. When you are only a few inches above the water, you really have to be careful when landing muskies. (See examples of mishaps through a YouYube search, keywords "Kayak Musky")

#
LT COL Pat Cortez with a trophy musky caught in a kayak.Casting from a sitting position is a lot more work then from a standing position. It's important to use a longer long rod (an eight-foot rod is recommended). This will help make casting easier and will also be of great assistance while battling muskies around the kayak. You can control the fish better and also get your rod tip around the front or back of your boat while fighting a fish.


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Don Theoret with a Haliburton Musky.While sitting down, you are also limited in what baits you're able to easily use. Large Spinnerbaits, bucktails and topwater baits are a lot simpler to use then jerkbaits. Stick with lures that require a straight retrieve and try to avoid lures with multiple treble hooks as they may be difficult to navigate during the hook removal process. Another alternative is to stand in your kayak. I have spent much time working on this technique over the season. It helps you see following fish before they are too close to the boat and makes it easier to cast.

#I like to fish during the early morning - launching at sunrise and being off the water by 10 a.m. or so, before powerboat traffic picks up. Nice to be the first on the water and the rewards are often worth it!

Jamie Pistilli
Team Ocean Kayak
www.thefishingconsultant.com

Comments

Posted by John K From St. Cloud,MN on Feb 27, 2010

Jamie, I'm thinking about buying a kayak for fishing on mid sized lakes and rivers. I've seen the videos for the native series,hobie pro angler and the freedom series kayaks. What recommendations do you have? I need portability since I'm in sales and enjoy fishing at the end of the day would you consider an inflatable. I fish muskies,walleyes and smallies and stability will be important.

Posted by Jamie Pistilli From Chelsea on Aug 12, 2009

Just trying to make mine look bigger Don!

Posted by Don Theoret From www.yakfisher.net on Aug 10, 2009

Couldn't find a pic of me with a smaller muskie Jamie? LOL

Posted by Ashley R. From Napanee, ON on Aug 7, 2009

Wow can't wait to try that someday!! Great blog :)

Posted by Jacob From Toronto on Aug 6, 2009

Looks like a lot of fun - except for the landing part!

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Bio

Kayak Fishing - Jamie Pistilli

Jamie Pistilli has been fishing the waters of North America and the Caribbean for over 20 years, and although he has caught everything from tarpon to sharks, his specialty is trophy musky and carp fishing. Jamie has been featured in numerous fishing publications and is a regional editor for Kayak Angler Magazine. He's also a member of the Ocean Kayak Pro Team, and an active advisor, guide and fishing consultant in Ottawa, Ontario.