Fishing Safely From An Inflatable Kayak

If you have never considered fishing from an inflatable kayak then I highly recommend it. Kayaks open up areas on rivers and streams that are often not reachable by standard watercraft or bank fishing. Inflatable kayaks add the bonus of being easily transported and put to use when required. However, being inflatable means there are some precautions an angler needs to consider.

Being inflatable, the biggest danger is something that may puncture the inflated components. Inflatable kayaks these days are made from fairly hardy materials so a puncture is not easy. Having said that, fishing hooks and fishing knifes can do a lot of damage very quickly if not handled correctly. In fact, there are some fish that can do considerable damage if given the chance. The following safety tips should help to prevent any accidents and ensure your fishing trips are at least safe.

• Use a rod rather than a hand line. Rods place the line and hook a foot or more away from the hull of the kayak. Hand lines run the risk of fouling the hull when reeled in.
• Place a large piece of canvas on the kayak’s floor and over the fishing edge of the kayak. This will act as a barrier between a flapping fish and the kayak’s floor.
• Take special care when using a fishing knife and sheath it whenever it is not in use.
• Keep all your fishing tackle packed away with the lid firmly closed.

Although only basic tips, they are all designed to keep sharp materials away from any areas that could be damaged. Inflatable kayaks help to make fishing a lot of fun, however, there is nothing worse than trying to fish from a deflating kayak – worse still, trying to get back to the river bank! The alternative – buy a purpose built inflatable fishing kayak. They are almost puncture proof and have all the additional options that make fishing even easier.