Hey Heather,

I’m getting a kick out of watching Hayden discover the world. It looks like everyone is having a lot of fun.So, I’ve got a sea-kayaking question for you. I’m about to head out on a week trip around the Exumas in the Bahamas and am hoping to do a lot of fishing. I think I’ve got the shore set-up pretty figured out, but I’m curious if you guys have ever done any trolling. It seems like a good idea, but as I think about it, I’m not quite sure how it’d work, both from the logistics of setting up the line and actually trying to land something. Anyway, I’d be curious to hear what you guys have thought about the idea.Looking forward to the updates. See ya!

Hey Mike, GREAT to hear from you (through Heather, as it may be!

Kayak fishing is the fastest growing niche within the entire world of fishing. It’s exploding, because it’s so easy, and when you hook into something HUGE and go for a ride… you’ll be ‘hooked’ for life. It couldn’t be easier: Just rig a fishing pole holder on your boat. I prefer going in front of me just out of reach of my paddle stroke, so I can watch the pole. I see guys rig it just behind their seat and near the gunwale, though, so it’s out of the way. You’ll hear it when you get a strike. Use a a regular fishing pole, and pull whatever they’re bighting. I’ve had exceptionally good results with Rapala split minnows and spinners, like Mepps spinners. If the fishing’s good it doesn’t seem to matter what you’re using for lures or bait. If you’re going after big game, drag a chicken back there! Just strip out 50 feet of line or more and go for a paddle. Don’t worry about speed, just set a course and cruise. Whatever you hook into, grab that pole and get on with the fight. Don’t be scared… UNTIL you’re ready to pull it up onto your boat. That’s when it gets scary. Keep a club on your deck to brain the fish when you’ve landed it (assuming you’re fishing to keep it), keep some needle nose pliers to remove the hook, and that’s it. Be wary of getting a big fish, or a particularly toothy one like a barracuda, up on your deck. They’ll go nutty sometimes, and it’s dangerous if you get gashed. Like I said, be prepared to club ol’ flipper in the noggin’ until he’s good and still. Another trick that works is holding them by the eye sockets, as in your thumb in one eye and your finger in the other. Push hard enough and it paralyzes them. Just don’t do that unless you’re keeping them for sure. Put yourself in their shoes, you know? Good luck, Mike. Let us know how it goes…

Comments from the field:
I’ve never had any luck trolling; my line always twisted up so tight it was ruined, never did figure it out. Even with expensive swivels. Always ended up jigging. But most important, I always took a pair of leather gloves. The left one for handling thorny fish, and the right one for camp.
~ Larry Bussinger