Trolling By Paddle

Generally when a fisherman hears the word trolling the picture of a bass boat or a large surf-boat chugging along dragging baits behind it comes to mind. Trolling from a kayak is just not what one pictures in their mind.

Kayaks are perfect trolling platforms for shallow waters. Their inherent stealthy nature combined with their ability to get into places where a larger motorized boat just cannot attempt to go makes them a sure fire winner. Dragging a bait behind a kayak along an oyster bar or across a creek mouth or around the end of a sandbar can & usually does produce rsults of the best kind!

Many times a large boat cannot get you in along a mangrove bank or a tight shoreline point but the kayak can d so with ease. When the tide & current cause a backup along such terrain features that is where snook, redfish & even speckled trout like to lie up & wait for a meal to happen by.

Various artificial baits are used but my favorites include the Zarra Spook red/white, a gold Rappala, or evan some good blade spinners. Sometimes dragging a plastic lizard or shrimp works well too. Live baits work well if you know what to do to keep them acting like they should.

Recently I have been noticing more & more folks fishing from kayaks. I see less & less of the bigger gas-hog boats. Seems that the high cost of fuel has even hit the sport fishermen! Kayak fishing especially trolling is catching on quickly. Karen Butler, a lady-friend, who is a fishing fool recently took up this form of angling. She told me that she was tired of just sitting on her rump on a seawall or dock or pier. Well let me assure you that this gal has found true happiness with her Prowler13 kayak & fishes 2-4 times per week with good results.

Try kayak trolling sometime! You will be happy with the results. You get exercise, enjoy the great outdoors & you can eat your catch!


Copyright © 2006 - 2009 Donald R Houston, PhD. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the author's consent.