Kayak Fishing with Dogs

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.

Great tips.  When my dog first took the kayak, it was a HUGE surprise because she absolutely hated riding in big boats.  She would cower and shake in a corner.  Being on a kayak near the surface gave her the feeling of being the "captain of her ship".

Thank you for this well-written Scoot!!

My family and I have been long-time cat owners, but I've considered having a dog for quite a while. The thought of taking your pet with you while fishing (on both yak and onshore) is something I would love to have in the future.

Your article will help me tremendously when I do take the step of choosing the right companion, thank you again.

Btw, love the pics of Molly!!

Dpshim if you want a companion to take Kayaking and  fishing you should look for a smaller dog that is calm but likes water.  Dont know what you like dogs to look like but Portuguese water dogs would be a great choice.  Labs can sometimes get easily exited

Mike

My lab loves the kayak.  She likes to sit right on front, on the  hatch of my tarpon 120.  She does fall off once in a while and i have to paddle to shore to get her back on board.  She likes the kayak so much that when i have it dry docked in the backyard she will go and sit in it.  I then know it's time to get back out on the water with her.

Great usefull info. Just bought a trident 13. I love to duck hunt with my kayak as well as fish. I'm going to try to get my lab to ride along with me.She is a little large,it will be a chore, thanks again for the information

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. 

>>> Just sharing my experience: I have a G. Shepherd and a Poodle and use to have a Lab.
The smartest one is the Poodle, but the Shepherd is the most loyal an obedient + older they are more plaisent the experience will be.
C-

Great article.  I have a McNab/McMutt that I take out from time to time, but not when fishing.  I think I will get it a try soon.

I have a Westy named Rocky that I take with me.  He loves fishing and goes a little bezerk when he hears drag.  I have to watch out because he transfers his weight back and forth behind me depending on what side I am fighting a fish. I was thinking about framing a small triangular deck that would sit inside the back off the yak and covering it with marine carpet.