I’ve been into kayak fishing for a few years now, there were 3 reasons why I started. I was tired of hauling around my aluminum car topper boat, wanted to have access to more places to fish, and most importantly, I wanted a kayak to take my fishing buddy with me.
My initial search for a kayak began at home online, browsing through all the large box store sites. I had a vague idea of what I was looking for, it needed to hold me and my dog, I wanted to fish from it, and it had to be sit-on top style. All this was new to me, and to be honest, it was my first ever kayak purchase, as well as first ever time going to be in a kayak. I really jumped in with both feet! I searched online for months, and was just so lucky to stumble upon an amazing boat, at a great value, and snatched it up immediately.
It is safe to say that this boat is more than I could have ever expected for the adventures it has offered us. My initial concern, being a newbie to kayaking, was stability, which was quickly no longer a worry after our first paddles together. I quickly learnt how to shift my weight while paddling, a little left, a little right, an easy task for any novice paddler when honing their technique. Our next step was onto fishing together from our vessel, some anticipated challenges I’m sure were to come!
Anyone that has fished with their dog in a boat knows how excited they get. The fish surfacing and the splashing of water, the flip-flopping around in the net is more than enough to get there gander up and want to smell and lick their new friend. Mix that in with an 80lb dog in a kayak with you, and you could have a series of unfortunate events. Shilo and I though, have become a great team. Introducing a life jacket on her not only increased my confidence on the water, but, more than I would have expected, it grew hers as well. Even when I say “Fish On”, she stay’s more calm and collective till the truth is in the net.
With all our paddling adventures together, I can confidently say that kayaking has offered such an incredible opportunity to spend more time outdoors, enjoying our lifestyle, and further strengthening our bond. When I start to make small movements to grab my fishing rod, life-jacket, or paddle, Shilo is right behind me, following my every step, she knows what is next to come and is always excited to go.
The paddling experience did not just end with Shilo and I, it quickly spread throughout our family, and it’s like an infectious disease that is good for you. I could have never imagined how amazing and peaceful kayaking would be. It has offered all of us an opportunity to get on the water in places we never would have thought imaginable.
All in all, I would say to anyone that has a dog of any breed, if fishing is a passion of yours, and you enjoy doing it with your furry fishing buddy. Take any opportunity you have to do it in a kayak, you will not be disappointed.
