Kayaking For Fish

Disclosure:

Any links to merchants in this post are affiliate links.  If you click on a link and purchase a product mentioned in this post I may earn a commission.  This will not add to the price you pay for that product.

Ascend FS12 Sit In Angler Kayak

If you have been wanting to get on the water in pursuit of your favorite fish, but can't afford a traditional boat, a kayak is an excellent alternative.  There are two types of kayaks designed for fishing.  One is the sit in type as pictured above, the other is the sit on type.  The sit in kayak features an opening in which the angler places their legs below the top surface of the vessel.  The sit on version allows the angler to sit on the surface of the kayak rather than placing their legs inside of it.

Today's fishing kayaks are designed with the angler in mind and include many features such as:

• Adjustable seat height - This allows the angler to raise the seat up for more comfort while anchored or float fishing, yet offers the option of lowering the seat for increased stability when it's time to move on to a new fishing location.
• Adjustable backrest - This option allows the user to find that perfect angle to rest their back for a relaxing sit while fishing.
• Adjustable foot braces - These allow the braces to be set to the most comfortable position for the person using the boat. 
• Paddle holders are self explanatory giving the user a place to keep their oar while not in use.
• High weight capacities allow the angler to pack more gear for their fishing trip enabling them to stay on the water for longer periods of time.
• Fish-finder mounts make it easy to incorporate the use of fish finders without worrying about losing them overboard.
• Fishing Rod holders give the kayak user the option of setting their pole down allowing them to do other things while waiting on the fish to bite.
• Dry storage compartments give the angler space to place items they want to keep dry while on the water.  Note:  The dry storage compartments on many kayaks will allow some water to invade the space so it is a good idea to place anything that shouldn't get wet in a .

A fishing kayak is an awesome choice for the sportsman or woman who is looking to enjoy a relaxing day on the water without spending thousands of dollars to get there.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day

Fishing For Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish

The "channel cat" is one of the most popular gamefish in the midwest and throughout much of the U.S. They can be found readily in many bodies of water ranging from the small farm pond to the Mississippi River.

Disclosure:

Any links to merchants in this post are affiliate links.  If you click on a link and purchase a product mentioned in this post I may earn a commission.  This will not add to the price you pay for that product.

Fishing Methods:

Channel catfish can be caught using a rod and reel, bank lines, jug lines, trot lines and limb lines.

Live baits:

Night crawlers, minnows, shad, drum, small bluegill, and crickets are all great live bait choices.  However, I have found one of the best live baits for channel catfish is grasshoppers.

Cut baits:

Channel cats will bite on just about any cut bait that is presented to them including shad, carp, shrimp, chicken livers and even hotdogs and spam.

Artificial baits:

Because channel catfish have a superb sense of smell, many "stink baits" are very effective when pursuing them.  There is an enormous variety of stink baits available including On occasion they have even been known to bite on crank baits.  When using a dough bait it is best to use a treble hook.  I prefer using spring hooks.  These are treble hooks with a spring wrapped around the shank.  The spring allows you to press the dough into it and helps to prevent throwing the bait off of the hook while casting your line.

If you prefer, you can easily make your own dough baits.  One simple recipe can be found here.

By experimenting with different methods and bait combinations, you will be able to learn what works best in the area you will be fishing.  In turn you will become more successful in your pursuit of the channel catfish.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day