Kayak Fishing with Dogs

[Great Bass 2]

I will start by saying that I am a relative newbie to the wonderful world of dogs after years of owning cats. Last year our cat of 18 years passed away and our youngest kid went off to college. My wife and I were not ready for another cat and the kids persuaded us to get a dog. We wanted a dog big enough to defend the house but not too big. I also wanted a dog to go kayak fishing with and a good swimmer. We ended up with a female golden retriever named Molly which we purchased from a breeder in Cloverdale. We selected her from a large litter because she really liked people and seemed less aggressive than the other pups. When we picked her, the breeder said “You want that one???” I guess we should have done more research on the art and science of puppy selection but it was never a big deal to choose a cat so why should dogs be any different.  After over a year of living with Molly, I can understand why the breeder was surprised at our selection. Her puppy class instructor described her as “the most social dog she had ever seen”. She is really a great dog, except for her “irrational exuberance” when greeting people - total out of control jumping, licking and tail wagging. At least she doesn’t pee when she gets excited too often anymore. I started kayak fishing with Molly when she was 3 months old. This article includes some helpful tips from over 30 trips with Molly as well as some internet research.

Choosing a Kayak
If your dog is small, any kayak should work. The Ocean Kayak Scrambler XT works well for small to medium dogs. For most single SOT kayaks the sitting options for your dog include:
•   Front hatch cover or bow
•   Inside front or rear hatch
•   Cockpit between or in front of your legs
•   Aft Tankwell
When starting out, the aft tankwell makes it more difficult to keep an eye on your pup and keeping him/her from jumping out. I started Molly in the cockpit between my legs which made it easier to keep her in the boat and reward good behavior. One of the challenges of the cockpit seating arrangement is getting in and off the yak. 
For large dogs, a larger SOT single or 3 seat SOT tandem works well. The 3 seat tandem is particularly nice since your dog can sit or lay down in the front seat which makes it more comfortable for long trips. Stability, roominess and comfort are more important than speed when paddling with dogs. I use an Ocean Kayak Malibu 2XL which is perfect for Molly and I but other 3 seat tandems such as the Tarpon 13 will also work well. Paddling a tandem solo with a big dog onboard is a workout but usually you are not paddling that far and most trolling is at slow speeds anyway.

Rigging
To avoid accidentally hooking your dog, some planning should go into your rigging. Try to place your rod storage, rod holders and tackle where it is easy for you to get to but difficult for your dog to get to. If your dog is sitting in front of you then try to keep most of your tackle behind you. Hooks and lead weights are hazardous to your dog so keep them out of your dog’s reach. If you will be fly casting, think about where you will strip the line. I usually sit side saddle and strip the line into the water. Unfortunately Molly is really fascinated with the whole fly casting thing and like to play with the floating fly line. I have my fish finder and GPS mounted on RAM mounts which I can position to give Molly more room.  I installed a removable bath mat in the front seat for comfort and helps keep the kayak clean.
 
Dog Species
There is a bit of information on the internet on which dog species make the best canoe/kayak dogs. I know very little about dogs but if most dogs can be trained to ride in cars it makes sense that most dogs should be able to ride in kayaks with proper training. Small dogs are easier to get on and off the kayak and need less deck space. Smart dogs are easier to train so a small smart dog would be ideal. 

Dog Equipment
I started out taking a small backpack of dog stuff but now travel pretty light. Here are my suggested essentials:
•   Dog PFD or neoprene vest with handle on back and leash tether
•   6’ nylon leash with clip and float or waist leash
•   Baggie of small dog treats
•   Poop baggies
•   Water bottle and collapsible water bowl (if the you don’t want your dog to drink the lake water)
•   Floating dog toy (optional)
•   Large towel for laying on and drying off (optional)
•   Dog pillow or rubber bath mat to lay on (optional)
If you are paddling in warm conditions, a light inexpensive PFD will work well. In current, consider a PFD designed for swimming in rivers. For cold water, particularly for dogs with low body fat, a neoprene vest/parka with floatation is a consideration. I use an Avery Boater's Dog Parka in the winter and NRS Canine Flotation Device in the summer. Dogs can get hypothermia and drown so if you love your dog, invest in a good PFD or neoprene vest/parka. Backcountry.com has a nice selection of quality dog PFD's.

Where to Fish with Your Dog
I only take Molly on lakes and ponds. Some people take dogs in kayaks on the ocean, bays and rivers. A lot depends on your skill level and I have read reports of dogs swimming in class 2 rapids. Besides the risk of hypothermia and drowning, dogs can also get sea sick. When starting out, lakes and ponds are the best choice. Del Valle and Quarry Lakes are the most dog-friendly in the east bay area. Lafayette and San Pablo do not allow dogs on boats or kayaks.

The Morning of the Fishing Trip
Your dog should look forward to your trips so I start the day with a fun ritual. First we try on the PFD and adjust the straps. Then we go for a long walk around the neighborhood and talk about the big fish we are going to catch. Then we drive to the lake and rig the kayak. I keep Molly in the car until the kayak is rigged. Then we go for a short walk to check out the fishing conditions and make sure Molly has relieved herself. The goal is for her to be tired, hungry and relieved before getting on the yak. Then we are ready to go fishing.

Getting In and Out of the Kayak
This was harder than I thought it would be.  I would start out with a shore or ramp launch where you can wade a short distance then climb in. When starting out, you will probably have to lift your dog into the yak. This should be followed by a quick “sit” then “lay down” command. Give a reward then quickly climb in while at the same time keeping your dog from jumping off. Then start paddling. Getting off is a little easier since you can paddle the bow onto the shore or ramp and your dog can jump off. I usually attach a leash before letting her jump off if we are on a ramp so she doesn’t get in the way of other boaters. Dock launches and landings are a little trickier. For dock launches I climb in first then lift Molly into the boat. For landing I lift her out first, then I climb out. Again I tie her leash to the dock before lifting her off so she doesn’t run off. For both launching and landing, straddling the kayak will give you more stability.
 
Paddling and Fishing
You want to keep the first trips really short. No more than 30-60 minutes. Expect quite a bit whining. Give lots of treats and praise. Try to keep your dog in the sitting or laying down position. Always reward laying down which is the position of choice for fishing.  The sitting position is less desired because there is a greater risk of hooking your dog when casting and there is more wind cocking. Standing is the least desired position because it sometimes leads to falling off and swimming. Train your dog to swim only on command or not from the boat at all. Nothing good happens when you are trolling a shoreline and your dog decides to go for a swim. By the time you get your dog onboard you may find yourself surrounded by angry shore anglers with tangled lines. I trained Molly to stay on the boat and let her swim only from shore. Landing fish is also more challenging with a dog because they get excited and tend to stand up to check out the action. If your dog stands up, straddle the boat for more stability and give a stern “lay down” command. For Molly this only works 50% of the time, but after all she is just a puppy. For safety reasons, most suggest not leashing your dog to the kayak when on the water.  The concern is that if you get flipped in moving water and your kayak gets hung up or sinks, your dog will drown.  Some people attach a waist leash with a quick release clip. When Molly was younger, I used to clip her leash to the bottom of my PFD. Most recommend attaching the leash to the PFD not to the dog collar. Now that she is trained, I only leash her when getting on or off the kayak.

Shore Leave and Shore Lunch
I usually beach the kayak every 1-2 hours for about 5-10 minutes to let Molly run around and relieve herself. I use this time to tie on new lures and stretch. For shore lunch, we spend a bit of time eating and playing fetch in the water with sticks we find on the shore. This is the only time I let Molly swim. Dogs are not allowed to swim at Quarry Lakes. Always pick an area without shore anglers. At Del Valle, dogs can be off leash north of the launch ramp. One of the keys to success when fishing with dogs is to make the experience enjoyable for your dog.

Assisted Dog Rescue
Sooner or later you will have to get your dog back onboard your kayak after a swim.  Small dogs can be easily lifted by grabbing the handle on the PFD or neoprene vest.  Large dogs can be difficult to lift with one hand and will sometimes require an assisted rescue. This technique begins with straddling the kayak with your thighs and bringing your dog to the kayak just in front of your knee. Next you lift the front paws onto the gunnels and grab the handle on the PFD. Then tell your dog to climb on as you slide them onto the yak.  Some dogs can climb on without assistance and using a low brace can help stabilize the kayak.

Canine Hypothermia
Any dog can get hypothermia after swimming but dogs with low body fat are more susceptible. Drying your dog off after swimming is the easiest thing you can do to prevent hypothermia. Using a neoprene vest or parka can also help prevent hypothermia. Symptoms of mild hypothermia include violent, uncontrolled shivering, followed by lethargy and shallow breathing. Severe stages include 97 F rectal temperature, or lower and severe lack of coordination followed by collapse and or coma. Some treatments for hypothermia include drying the dog thoroughly and wrapping him in jackets or coats. Use whatever you can use to raise your dogs body temperature. Once you have gotten your dog out of the elements, use heating pads, a hair dryer, or a warm bath. Seek veterinary care as soon as rectal temperature is above 101.5 F.

Hope this helps others enjoy kayak fishing with their dog. It really is a special thing. 

Scott

[Hojoman]

Very nicely written, Scott. Thanks. A lot of useful info to consider when I get my dog (after retirement).

Howard

[Mooch]

Thanks for the How-to article Scott! I will go ahead and sticky this!

[Sin Coast]

Great article Scott. Wonderful photos too.
I just wanted to add that dog PFDs are on sale at rei-outlet.com right now.

[yakuza]

Great article Scott.  You are really luck to have one another.  I'll also add that there are few things cooler than canine kayakfishing.  It turns a few heads that's for sure, specially when you got a cute little licker like Molly.   

[amphibian]

I have a friendly 60 lb PitBull that goes out in my triple. She doesn't show interest in the fish I catch. I put her crate in the trailer when we travel and she stays in it when I fish solo. If I take her out she wears a pfd. I think the pfd is more for warmth than anything. She has swam rapids on the Yuba and American and some respectable distance on the ocean in Mendocino without the pfd. She went to the Shelter Cove opener last year and chased ground squirels the entire weekend.

The problem I've had and others have mentioned about their dogs is they whine when they are on the kayak.     

[futhel]

i have a perception search 15 that has room in the back. i put the flat pugs in the scupper holes and my 65-70lb lab mix lays or sits righ in the back.  However he is a water lover and it is easier for me than most others with their dogs.  We go fo a long time out with frequent breaks and short walks.

Nice article, really in depth

Mike

[WheelingWillie]

A small calm dog really helps. I tried taking my lab  pup when he was 50 lbs and didn't feel comfortable leaving the marina. Now that he is 90 lbs I wouldn't feel comfortable on a puddle. I have a 15' Wilderness and it is not the steadiest of crafts. Now he spends his time getting me ducks and beer.

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[tallpaul]

I thought I could take my dog kayak fishing, but she's having a lot of trouble learning to tie the Palomar knot properly, and that's the simplest one I can think of.

She is able to cast okay, but I can't seem to get her to slow her retrieve for the slower wintertime bite. I think she has the concept, but just gets too excited.

[joey]

good times might I recomend an ocean kayak peekaboo its got a nice area betwixt your legs big enough for a shmedium sized pup its plenty wide but super slow.

[HDRich]

"Lastyear our cat of 18 years passed away and our youngest went off to college"

Scott, I agree its important to send our young cats to college as more and more mice are attending university.

Rich

[Seabiscuit]

My dog went out once....he bailed at about 200 yards out and swam back to shore.  He also made sure he dumped me on the way!  He's on his own

[ChuckE]

Great article, Scott!  Love those pics of Molly.

[ClydeB]

great article. i still dont think my 75lb ridge back / pit, is going out on my yak

[Sierra Marty]

Here is a tip that I picked up from my motorcycle racing days when I knew of a couple of guys who rode with their dogs on their laps. They attached carpet to their tank so the dogs could get a grip. I have taken my smallish “grand-dogs” on my “dry” kayak on the easy piece of the Truckee River. They would not stay in the cockpit, they had to be on the front deck and liked to do the “Titanic” pose. I resorted to putting towels on the deck and they fell in much less often (they still jumped in now and then). Eventually the best set up was a gripping surface on the deck, a harness for the dogs that I could grab like luggage to haul them back onto the boat, and a tether to the kayak so the minor rapids would not separate us.