itsjaywhatsup wrote:So my girlfriend and I are being given some kayaks ..... I don't know what kind yet or any specifics, but am just wondering if there's anything I should specifically learn or watch out for when using one? Are there any places with good information to read up on, some essential gear or anything like that? ...
I can't advise about Tenkara from a kayak. I've never tried it. I only hand-line fish from my kayaks. However, I have kayaked a lot and have a few tips:
First, we need to find out what kind of kayaks you are getting. Are they SOT, sit on top, kayaks. Or SI, set inside kayaks? SI kayaks with a small cockpit or a big open cockpit? Which ever type - are they relatively wide mostly flat bottomed kayaks = stable. Or are they performance kayaks, narrow with a deep vee-bottom, meant for speed and efficient paddling = tippy = not first choice for fishing.
Secondly, but of first importance when kayaking is Safety.
You don't want to go kayaking on an 80˚ day and fall into cold water if not dressed for full immersion in cold water. And 45˚ water is dangerous. Just try holding your hand in 45˚ water for five minutes, then imagine falling in wearing shorts and a tee shirt. If the water is to cold to comfortably swim in - Be aware of hypothermia.
I would also recommend that if you will be very far from shore even after the water temperature has warmed, carry a rain jacket or something to add warmth should you get caught out in rain. Rain often brings quick a quick drop of air temperature. Getting wet in the wind can chill you quickly.
And learn how to get back into the kayak if you either capsize or simply jump in to take a swim after the water has warmed up. There is nothing to step on to push yourself back on top. You will want a bow line to grab onto should the wind start blowing the kayak away. And it can blow away faster than you can swim after it.
Respect ( fear of ) for the water is not a bad thing. Have a PFD, fancy acronym for life jacket. Probably required by local law.
" A man who is not afraid of the sea will soon be drowned, he said, for he will be going out on a day he shouldn't. But we do be afraid of the sea, and we do only be drowned now and again." - The Aran Islands by John Millington Synge
http://kayak-skills.kayaklakemead.com/hypothermia-definition-cause-prevention.htmlYou might want to get a paddle lanyard. Or make one. You don't want to drop your paddle and have it float away while playing the fish. And you will probably want a net.
And learn how to securely tie the kayak onto the top of the car. Especially if you will be driving at interstate speeds to get to the water. I prefer to also use a bow and stern line. You don't want the kayak yawing sideways or worst coming off the car and going through someone's windshield.
You will want to learn some paddling skills. Probably the best tip is don't paddle with your arms. The arms are used mostly to lift and drop the paddle from the water. Learn to paddle by twisting at the waist.
Maybe this video will convey the basic idea of the so-called paddlers box and torso rotation when paddling.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGsphWWrs00If they kayaks you get are more barge than paddling boats that is about all you need to know about paddling. If they have a slight performance shape there are many other techniques for turning that involve leaning the kayak. You can also customize them a bit by adding knee straps, if they don't have them, to make them more efficient or comfortable for paddling.
Take water to drink and a snack if you will be out for four hours or more.
Let us know what kind of kayaks they are.
fwiw,
D