PLANNING A REMOTE KAYAK TRIP
Kayak fishing offers a great alternative to fishing from a bank or powerboat. While your local system can sometimes get overcrowded and overfished, travelling by kayak down rivers can get you to places that other fishing fanatics cannot get to on foot or with a boat. Kayak fishing is also a cheap and easy way to explore and discover new places.
Before embarking on your next kayak trip, there are a few important steps you need to remember so your time on the water is a success.
Deckee ambassador David Irvine shares with us some tips on how to navigate rivers on a kayak in search of your next big catch.
FIND YOUR SPOT AND RESEARCH
Start by searching on the Deckee app for the area you want to go to. Look for rivers and creeks then look for access points, like road bridges, national parks, state forests or public reserves.
Always remember to look closely at your chosen waterway and make sure it’s big enough to be suitable for kayaking. This can take a bit of trial and error when getting familiar with the area.
National Parks are a particularly good option as there’s often information available about the waterway and especially any particular dangers.
Information is key. There are resources available to look up real-time flow data available. Have a look and see if your potential river has frequent fluctuations in level and flow.
Research your target fish species and work out the required gear your needs. Keep it simple and travel light. You will generally need just two rods and reels, a box of lures, pliers, lip grips, a leader and scissors. In other words, limit your gear, kayaks don’t have a lot of space.
Have a rough plan of your days paddling like maximum distances, remember when you paddle somewhere you have to paddle back.
Importantly enjoy the experience. Planning, finding a spot and working out a plan that turns into success can lead to some serious bragging rights.
THE SAFETY STUFF
It’s important to plan ahead for any trip. Here are a few key points to highlight.
Remember to pack the appropriate safety equipment. Include a bite bandage and some basic first aid supplies. Also include a personal locator beacon (PLB), a torch for each person and most importantly make sure everyone knows exactly where each item is and how to use them.
Prior to leaving check the weather on the Deckee app in your intended location. Heavy rainfall upstream from your chosen piece of river can cause sudden and dangerous rises in river level, the simple rule is if there’s any doubt, don’t go out.
Plan your paddle, a good tip is to spend our day kayaking the river covering distance early and working our way back towards camp. The aim is to be safely near camp by sunset.
A PFD when kayaking is just as important in a small remote waterway as it is in the ocean.
THE BENEFITS
Kayaks are one of the best ways to explore a remote river. The ability to get to areas unreachable by boat or on foot often provides excellent fishing, the added bonus of a kayak is stealth. You can experience wildlife encounters that can outshine the fishing.
You nearly always get these places to yourself, so whether you go with mates, share it with your significant other like I do or go solo enjoy the peace only a remote location can provide.