just wondering. . .

[wajdi]

just wondering if anyone (other than me) flycasts from a kayak? I (and my wife) have an Ocean Kayak Drifter set up for fishing. Very versatile, lets me fish very skinny water as well as go several miles out into the Gulf. Fishing from Mobile, AL.

[kirbychristian]

yes, I have a buddy here in Florida who flycasts from a kayak

[Mike Mazur]

Hello Wajdi,

I've done a fair amount of fly fishing from a yak, mostly throughout Florida.

Here's the deal: There are positives and negatives. On the positive side, you can go places you might not otherwise be able to access. Also, they're extremely quiet so you can sneak up on fish. And you can do all this alone.

But I sometimes find them uncomfortable on the lower back, especially when out for long periods. Plus, sitting on your backside doesn't create the most balanced approach for making good fly casts -- at least from my perspective. It can be awkward (not to mention you've really got to watch the backcasts to make sure the fly doesn't plunk into the water -- an easy thing since you're so low to the surface).

However, this can be overcome if you learn how to utilize your upper body and arms more when casting. A good braced seat will also help on this front --- and a lot of guys will straddle their yaks with their legs dangling overboard. Others will simply get out and wade alongside their yaks when possible.

A couple final notes -- a company called Freedom Hawk makes an interesting kayak that has extendable rudders on the stern side -- send them out and they apparently balance the boat, allowing you to stand and fish. I've yet to fish one, but it's an interesting concept.

Also, a canoe is another option....and a darn good one. Still extremely quiet, and you're sitting upright which makes casting easier. You can also stand easily, as they're very stable. They're light, too; and with 2 guys aboard, polling around is easy. You should consider them as well.

Take care,

mike

[Shadowcast]

I second what Mike said. I have fly cast from a kayak for quite a while. I enjoy being up on a skiff much more due to the visibility. Kayaks and fly fishing were made for each other, however. The kayak allows you to get into fly casting range very quietly. Plus you can get where other boats can't go. If you are throwing from a Drifter, you are good. It's a very stable yak. I like the WS Ride 135 or the Native Ultimate 12 or 14.5.

[grantorrin]

Yeah, I've done it. My only issue with it is that at 6'8" and 235 pounds, I'm already somewhat precariously balanced in a kayak. Battling a big fish sometimes tips me.