One Crazy Summer!

I never intended to go this long without posting, and I know I have committed a sin in the blogging world by prolonging this delay. There have been some family issues that have kept me from my computer and while I can't promise a weekly post I will do my best to get back in the swing.

So for this week's post, let's go kayaking:

These days there are a few more boats on our area lakes. Sure, there are the same Jon boats and bass boats, but in recent years there has been an ever-increasing population of kayaks. For most, kayaks often conjure images of running rapids or exploring smaller streams and rivers, but kayaks are taking the angling world by storm.
Many popular kayak brands have created models specifically tailored to the hard-core angler. Companies like, Hobie, Ocean Kayak, and Liquid Logic are just a few of the seasoned kayak makers that have jumped into the kayak-angling world. Every company now producing fishing kayaks attempts to bring something to their designs that will make their product stand out among the ever growing fleet of choices.
Hobie has pioneered the Mirage Drive, a paddle system that allows you to maneuver the kayak virtually hands free. This is great for anglers who often find it difficult to paddle and cast at the same time. Hobie’s angling models with the Mirage Drive system include the Sport Fish, Outback Fish, Revolution Fish, and the two person Outfitter Fish.
Ocean Kayak recently introduced their Prowler Big Game kayak. At almost 13 feet in length, this kayak boasts stability and strength. With plenty of storage, built in flush-mounted rod holders, and a small tackle box included it is easy to see how this kayak was built with the angler in mind.
Relatively new to the kayak angling scene, Liquid logic released the Manta Ray, their first fishing kayak, in 2005. This kayak was designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. While it doesn’t come with an amazing amount of extras out of the box, there are endless ways to customize this boat to fit your specific needs.
Kayaks come in two basic styles, sit-inside and sit-on-top. Kayak anglers seem to prefer the sit-on-top models for their added stability and because they allow the angler to shift and move freely which makes casting easier. Sit-on-top models also have the added benefit of increased storage and more flat areas that will allow you to add-on accessories.
Storage is extremely important because anglers always carry a lot of equipment. You never want to be out on the water and find out you’ve forgotten your favorite lure or tackle bag. Among other things, kayak anglers attach accessories like rod holders, fish finders, or an anchor trolley system to their kayaks. To do this effectively it is imperative to have flat areas to which to mount the necessary hardware. Don’t worry about installation; you can probably have these things installed for you wherever you purchase your kayak.
The golden rule among many kayaker is “If you love it, leash it,” which means, anything you don’t want to end up at the bottom of the lake or ocean should be attached by a leash to your kayak. Just in case you do roll the boat a leash will ensure all of your prized possessions remain intact. A leash is one accessory you shouldn’t be without.

If you do join the kayak fishing revolution, be sure to do so safely. There are many personal flotation devices made of anglers that will keep your head above water in the event of an accident.