Ontario Kayaking Trips – Hidden Gems on a Cottage Vacation

I was first introduced to kayaking on a trip out to Ontario from England, years ago. We stayed at a vacation rental cottage on a small lake and the cottage came with two kayaks, paddles and life jackets. We'd never kayaked before and although it was a little nerve wracking getting in the first time, I was amazed at how stable the kayaks were, and what fun we could have with them. We explored the lake and all the little inlets; came across a pair of loons nesting; snapping turtles sunning on a log, and on one amazing day, came around a bend in a small bay to see a young moose just getting out of the water. It was one of those hidden gems we never expected to see on that amazing vacation.

Lots of lakes and rivers

Ontario has 250,000 lakes and thousands of miles of navigable rivers so there are many locations and opportunities for a kayaking or canoe trip. From a half-day paddle around one of the inland lakes, finding tiny inlets to explore and wildlife to see, to a longer camping and portaging trip in a National or Provincial Park, there is something for everyone. Renting a waterfront cottage is a great option as many of these vacation rentals offer non-motorised boats included in the rental rate. That could be a paddleboat, canoe, row boat or if you're lucky, a couple of kayaks.

Read More: Best places to kayak

Kayak Fishing Tips On Gear

By Sean K Kelly

If you've ridden the rapids and roved the rivers a few times and want to expand your interest in kayaking and canoeing, sooner or later there's the distinct possibility that you will find yourself in an ocean or touring kayak or canoe on a broader and deeper patch of water where fishing becomes an attractive option. Kayak fishing is fast becoming a very popular sport and there's every chance that you'll be bitten by the fishing bug which usually bites in the place where it hurts most... in your pocket. However, there is absolutely no reason why you can't equip yourself for some great kayak fishing sport with good quality kayak fishing gear designed specifically for small boat applications such as kayaks and canoes

Selecting a suitable fishing rod for kayak fishing.

While there are thousands of rods designed for use in small boats, and a one or 2 piece rod certainly has its advantages over multiple section or break down rods, it's important to consider where the rod will be stored both in your craft and, or in your kit when traveling to and from your launch point. As an accepted compromise, many kayak fishing enthusiast opt for a telescopic rod which as the name suggests, telescopes into it's self to be mare than about 12 inches or 300mm in length and be easily stored in a back pack or stowed in a hatch on the deck of the kayak. With today's technology, rugged materials which are flexible enough to be used in catching good size fish from a kayak and tough enough to take the hard knocks often associated with kayaking are being used to manufacture some truly great fishing rods for kayak fishing gear.

Choosing a suitable fishing reel for Kayak Fishing Gear

This can be a little tricky particularly if you're on a limited budget as it's probably going to be the most expensive part of your fishing gear but it's worthwhile to keep in mind that it's also probably the most important part as well. While there are hundreds of options as there are no reels to my knowledge specifically designed for small boats or canoes, there are many designed for small rods and light lines. Many reels which can be ideal for fishing from a bank or pier are not suitable as kayak fish gear because of their fragility and exterior moving parts. Many kayak fishing enthusiasts will argue this point but I've found from personal experience that reels known as spinning reels or "egg beaters" with the spool on the front are too susceptible to being easily damaged when being used as specific kayak fishing gear, not only because the bail can be easily bent but also because of the distance they protrude away from the rod making it difficult to place on the deck when two hands are needed for other tasks and lending to the chance of you losing it altogether over the side. Personally I prefer bait caster models which although being generally more expensive, are also more robust although a little "land practice" is highly recommended as they can easily "over run" leaving the user with mess of unwanted tangled line until they are mastered. A good way to practice on land with a bait caster before attempting to use one from a boat, is to tie a small pea sinker to the end of the line and while holding the rod at about a forty-five degree angle up from your body, slacken the drag on the reel so that the sinker is just on the verge of falling to the ground just with its own weight with your thumb just touching line on the spool. Have a bucket of water placed about 20-30 feet away and try to cast the sinker into the bucket. It's important to not have the bucket anymore than around 35-40 feet as the further you want to cast, the harder you need to throw and this will (if you'll excuse the pun) b you undone as the spool needs to be stopped with you thumb as the exact moment the sinker hits it's target or the ground in order to avoid over run. It does require practice but after mastering this technique you'll never want to use any other style of reel for kayak fishing gear again. Competitions are held at all major fishing tournaments throughout the world for accuracy and distance in using bait caster reels and once having reeled in a big bass or pike while kayak fishing with a bait caster will have you hooked on using one as a major part of your kayak fishing gear and arsenal.

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BASS FISHING FROM A KAYAK
TOP 10 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A KAYAK FOR FISHING

Bass Fishing From A Kayak

By Richard Underwood

There is a definite thrill involved in catching a bass from a kayak. A bass is a very aggressive fish and this makes it particularly exhilarating when landing one from a kayak.

You have the upper hand by being in a kayak, which makes no sound (unlike those motor boats where every fish within a 10 mile radius hears you coming) so the stealth aspect is second to none. Even so a largemouth has a mind of its own and it is often said of it that it has one of the highest IQ's of any fish.

Having said that it is important to plan your strategy carefully when setting out to catch bass from a kayak. Knowing which lure to use is vital. Unfortunately there is no hard and fast rule as to which one to use for which situation-they are so many factors involved in the decision-why the bass would strike a lure for one. They don't only strike because they are hungry-it can also be a territorial thing, or because they are angry at you for invading their personal space. The other problem with largemouth bass is that they do not have a specific type of food which they eat or a specific place or time of day or season or depth at which they feed. This makes it very interesting for anyone who is up for a challenge.

These bass are opportunistic feeders and will often go for whatever's on the menu at the time-if it can be taken it is-no real thought involved. Examples of their prey include shad, koi carp (mostly newly hatched), bream, and other sea-life which crawl along the lake floor.

Choosing a lure for bass is not as easy as it sounds because all the factors mentioned earlier come into play -time of year is very important because the bass can only take newly hatched carp for instance, before they grow too big. So you will need to know your seasons of spawning and nesting for the different sources of forage for bass. This takes practice and trying different lures at different times. You have to get into the mind of the bass to be successful at landing them. This can be quite complex but is very rewarding -especially from a kayak.

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KAYAK FISHING – LEARNING THE ESSENTIALS
TOP 10 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A KAYAK FOR FISHING

How to Set Up an SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) for Fishing

By Steven M Becker

Successful fishing on an SUP requires organization and planning. With an unstable platform and limited space it is a challenge to rig a paddleboard.

Boards are built differently. A good fishing board is wider (34-36") than a standard board. Good buoyancy and a square tail will aid the angler as well. When planning your fishing setup think about the rods first. With the exception of one rod that I keep in front of me I will place the other rods behind me. I have gotten too many lines caught or cut by the paddle when the rods are placed in front.

I like to place the gear I need to access regularly on front of me. It is easier to kneel down than to sit and turn around. Fishing crates are great for this. They fit the board well and hold lots of stuff. You can buy a fishing crate already set up with pockets and rod holders or make one yourself from materials available at Home Depot. Use 2" PVC pipe and wire ties to secure the rod holders. Secure the crate with bungee cords. If your board does not have tied downs factory installed it is easy to epoxy some on.

My crate will hold all my tackle, lures, water bottle, leaders and misc stuff. I also keep pliers and / or scissors handy. There is an easy setup for a depth finder that I made using a clamp from Home Depot and a "Humminbird Fishin Buddy". I only use this when it is calm as it will bang around in waves.

A cooler behind you is great if your board will hold it. It not only acts as a seat, but will hold gear and act as a fish box. I keep my anchor and PFD in it as well as extra gear. Mounted on the back is a vertical rod holder I use for rods and my gaff or net. In front are 2 clamps that act as a paddle holder.

Lake access is usually easy from a beach area or a ramp. Unless the wind is really blowing I will take as much as I need. The only thought here is that a cooler acts like a sail in the wind making it hard to paddle. Ocean conditions are a little tougher. Depending on the surf I will take as much as I can carry or as little as a single rod, a gaff, and a dry bag clipped to the boat. Surf is easier to get out in than to come back in.

A great resource for all kinds of fishing tips, products and reviews is The Fishing Geek [http://www.thefishinggeek.com].

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Top 10 Things to Consider When Buying a Kayak for Fishing

By Thomas P Fouts

There are many different kinds of kayaks on the market today. So many, that it can be a daunting task to find the "perfect" model for your specific needs. So here are 10 areas of thought when considering buying a kayak for fishing.

1. Your physical being, your physical condition, and your attitude - First of all, you need to be able to fit comfortably in the kayak seating both in width and legroom. Then consider your weight. Because how you are built, and what physical shape you are in, can determine whether you buy a kayak with a motor, pedals, or just a paddle for propelling your kayak. How do you want to get from one fishing spot and back again?


2. Sit-On-Top, (SOT) or Sit-In-Kayak, (SIK)? - This is a personal choice. The traditional kayak is a "sit in" kayak. This is where you sit inside the kayak. A sit on top kayak is where you sit on what is like a formed tube that lets water drain through holes called scuppers. The SOT is what, in my opinion, works best for kayak fishing. Look at both, and talk to experts, do the research; find out what is comfortable for you.


3. Stability - There are two kinds of stability. One is the initial stability, which is how "wobbly" it is on the water. The second factor of stability (and this is the important one) is how far a kayak can lean or tip before it sends you overboard. It is all in the design of the hull.


4. Maneuverability - You need a kayak that responds and handles well. The rocker (or camber) which is the "curve" from the front to the back of the hull will determine how easily it handles, along with the length and width of the boat. The shorter the kayak and the more rocker, the quicker it responds, but may also sacrifice stability. The longer and "less" rocker of the hull, the more speed and sea-worthiness of the boat.


5. Weight - If the kayak is too heavy to lug around, and getting it off and on your vehicle, you probably won't use it as much. Plus, if you have to portage around obstacles it can be a real energy drain.


6. Maximum Weight Capacity - You also want to take into consideration your weight and the weight of your gear. The maker of the kayak will have maximum weight capacities listed. Stay well below them or you can become a barge.


7. Speed of Kayak - This is a personal choice. A stable, shorter, wide kayak will be slower and a longer and narrower kayak will be faster. A wider kayak can take a lot more energy and time to get to a fishing spot, and when paddling against a strong wind can be difficult. Where a longer narrow kayak slices through the water and wind easier, it can be a real trick to fish comfortably from. So a balance between the two styles seems to be an all-around safe choice.


8. Length - As mentioned above, the longer the kayak, the faster and more sea worthy it is. So you need to decide what types of water conditions you will be paddling in. Short kayaks (under 11') are great for protected waters, or rivers, and longer kayaks, (13'-more than 14') are probably better in lakes bays and oceans.


9. Seating/Comfort - This is a biggie. If you are not comfortable you won't stay out long. You will most likely be sitting for long lengths of time, so choose your seat wisely. Spend the extra bucks to get this right, as it can be the difference in a great time or not. Also consider how it supports your legs and whether or not it has drainage holes.


10. Accessories - Not all kayaks are built to accessorize conveniently. Think about what you want to outfit your boat with and see if modifications can be made. One thing is storage for your fishing gear. Can you outfit storage areas that can be easily accessible from the seat? Do you need to haul a cart? Storage is a question you should try to answer when picking your kayak.

All kayaks need to be stored somewhere when you are not using them. So consider how big your storage area is as well as the length of your boat. You will also need a way to secure your kayak to the vehicle for transporting it to the water. Racks, trailer, or just throwing it in the back of a pickup, it still needs to be secured for safe travel.

So there you have my 10 things to consider when buying a kayak for fishing. Not everything is covered here, but it will give you a place to start. Talk to the experts. See what others are using with success and what the fishermen say could be improved.

Use good judgment on the water, be safe, and have a great time kayak fishing!

My two favorite sports combined! What could be better? I have been kayaking since 1978 when I bought a 13 year old Klepper kayak. I kayaked 43 different rivers, in 5 different states, and in Canada that first year!

Then when you combine fishing with kayaking, it is so peaceful and invigorating at the same time. I have had several different kayaks and have introduced dozens of people to the sport since that first year.

Thomas Fouts

Author of "The BetesBuster Plan"

A Step-by Step Guide to Preventing, Controlling, or Reversing Type 2 Diabetes

http://betesbuster.com

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KAYAK FISHING – LEARNING THE ESSENTIALS
5 THINGS TO LOOK FOR BEFORE BUYING A FISHING KAYAK

Kayaking Footwear

Kayaking footwear comes in several different designs, to keep your feet safe and, in some cases, warm.

Kayaking will obviously not require the same type of footwear that you would wear to the store or on the street. However, since you will not always be in the kayak (eventually you're going to have to come back to land and get out of it), you'll probably want to have some sort of shoes just in case you have to come back to a rougher part of the beach. You don't want to hurt your feet just because you have been in a kayak.

Something to keep in mind about regular shoes, of course, is that they tend to be fairly heavy. Therefore, if you end up using a regular pair of shoes, you will probably be adding unnecessary weight to your feet. Part of the reason that you're adding extra weight is that regular shoes do not repel water in the same way that water footwear would. The other down side do this is that your regular shoes will also not dry out very quickly at all. In fact, you'll probably be stuck with wet shoes for a long time after you finally get done kayaking.

The best type of footwear for kayaking is more like a slipper. These shoes might not be waterproof, but if you are in water that is too cold for your feet, you should probably look into getting a dry suit that covers your feet as well.

The nice thing about these slipper shoes is that as soon as you step out of the water, most of it will drain away. The result is that you are left with damp but not too soggy shoes which will probably dry out fairly quickly. The other thing that you get with this footwear instead of going barefoot is that you'll know that your feet are being protected each time you step on the bottom - and considering that you can never be quite sure what is just under the sand, this is probably a good thing.

However, if the slipper footwear is not right for you, several other companies offer sandals that might suit your needs as well. While sandals will not close over your feet in the same way, they will still be able to protect your feet from anything that happens to be under the sand.

You can also purchase socks for kayaking which will keep your feet warm.

Article Tags:
Kayaking Footwear, Regular Shoes

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.kayakhelp.com. Please visit his complete kayaking guide for all skills and ages.

CHOOSING THE PROPER KAYAKING ACCESSORIES

FOUR THINGS A KAYAKER SHOULD HAVE ON BOARD

Types of Kayaks

By Peter Gitundu

You'll agree with me every sport requires a gear designed for it. This is no exception with kayaking. However, there are many different types of kayaks available in the market today and makes it hard for you to choose the right one. Just take a moment and read on for some helpful tips on basic things you ought to know about kayaks.

Their origin is traced to be Eskimos from green land and Alaska. They are basically small boats with a similar structure as a canoe. Their main difference with canoes is that paddlers legs are hidden inside, they've pointed bows and sterns and they're fully covered except for the cock pit.

In the past, they could only accommodate one paddler but today's there are different types that accommodates one to four paddlers at a go. Kayaks are classified into three categories depending on their structure i.e. rigid, folding and inflatable. Rigid are made of fiberglass, plastic, wood or Kevlar. Plastic ones are tough and long lasting while fiberglass are light weight.

If you want a portable one and easy to store, folding ones caters for this though you have to dig deeper in your pocket. However, the price is worth it. They are made of aluminum or wood. Inflatable on the other hand are easy to carry, they are made up of PVC so all you need to do is put pressure with help of a pump and you are good to go kayaking. They are mostly suitable for calm waters and rivers. One thing to note is that paddling one require more effort and are a bit slower. But worry not, the thrill and experience is amazing.

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KAYAK BUYING CHOICES

THE ADVENTURE OF KAYAKING