The trials and tribulations of casting while sitting in a kayak.

Let’s just pretend I can’t stand up efficiently in my kayak yet (because I can’t)

Casting. I kinda suck. From the deck of a bass boat I almost look like I know what I’m doing. Surf fishing?  Like a boss! 

Sitting down all low-riding in my kayak I have very limited moves. I see guys do a tiny movement from the side that sends the lure accurately punching holes in lily pads.  How the heck?  I assume I’ll get better.  I mean I won’t be picking out backlashes forever.

Doesn’t help that I enjoy the weightless SENKO so much. Some lure weight seems to help.

Tips?  Discussion points?

I couldn't stand in my kayak either due to its age. Now with my Big Fish 108, I stand regularly to keep my back from locking up. Real, and I mean real, stable platform.

I can stand in my Hobie Compass.  It’s the getting into the standing position I’m working on.

spinning reel or better, closed-face reels will get you there better than traditional casting reels for bass.

Really.....you’re gonna be punching and pitching heavy cover with a heavy stick, 65 lb braid.......and a Zebco 33. 


My recommendations:

Adjust the braking system on your reel to the lightest setting and practice.

Throw the 6-7” senkos. They’re denser, heavier, easy to throw  and generally draw bigger fish.

I fish 7’6” to 8 foot rods.....for pitching it’s a longer  pendulum, more momentum, longer casts.  Landing fishing can be a pita though, I hung a pig and lost it boat side while trying to figure out how to lip it.

Look into a set of ama’s.  I bought some for sailing but really only use em for stand up bass fishing.  They can be tough if you get deep into the jungles though. 

spinning reel or better, closed-face reels will get you there better than traditional casting reels for bass.

Another kayaker was out there yesterday.  He asked how I was doing, and I replied, “this is one of these Zebco days “

I’ll get it down with practice.  I’m not ever going back to a closed face reel. 

Try buying a fish finder or any fishing gear.  I'm sending my dragenfly back back for repair for the third time instead of replacing it.  Just about every unit I looked at was back ordered.  I sent my shark shield in for a simple repair three month ago.  Come to find out they don't repair units only replace if under warranty, they were back order for three months and just received a new unit Friday

To practice casting while seated, get a lawn chair or beach chair and go to a park or open grass field and practice casting.  You may get some odd looks from people walking by but it will definitely help you when you are on the water.

I would definitively say use spinning gear if you're going weightless senko, at least until you get your seated casting down.

To practice casting while seated, get a lawn chair or beach chair and go to a park or open grass field and practice casting.  You may get some odd looks from people walking by but it will definitely help you when you are on the water.

Or if you have a yard handy, get your kayak out and practice casting from it.  It's how I learned to effectively cast with a fly rod.

when bored at home, i have been simply going out in the frontyard and casting.  i have a sidecast down, and a forecast down (almost).  i'll get it.

i found a practice plug that i have owned for decades.  its helpful.

I met my brother today at Bass Pro Shop in Rocklin today.  He's heading out on an RV trip and wanted to buy fishing gear for fresh water lake and stream.  The store is absolutely wiped out of almost all fishing gear.  It was apocalyptic!  I asked an employee if the place had been looted.  He said it was a zoo yesterday, everyone headed to the mountains and wiped them out of camping and fishing gear. 
I did find a display of zebco 303 rod/reel combos marked as 'Ladies' edition. Some sort of pink/purple.  $29 so I bought one for myself.  I remember as a kid, 3rd grade or so, with an ad from Western Auto for a Zebco rig for a couple bucks.  I saved and saved for that thing.  No one helped me earn that money and when I got it, I was in heaven.  Gonna relive those days despite the new color.  Ha! 
Ended up bringing my brother back to my place and setting him up for 4 rod/reel combos all set to cast and several lure and bait casting options for him to try.  Hope he's able to hook up!

The BPS in San Joe is pretty empty too. I’m going to have to get a Zebco 303 next time I’m there.  That’s the first reel I ever had and I caught a lot of fish with it. Is there a worlds record for biggest fish ever caught on a Zebco 303? If not, there should be.