The sport of kayak fishing is both fun and relaxing. Unlike regular fishing, kayak fishing allows you to get to areas that aren’t as easily accessible and more in touch with nature. Kayaking is beneficial to your health, cardiovascular, and muscle strength. Not to mention the vitamin D necessary to help prevent depression, which you will get plenty of. And that’s all before we even add fishing to the mix. Fishing is known as both an art and a science. There is always something new to learn about fishing, but there are also things that veteran anglers could pick up as well. Combine the two and you’ve got yourself the perfect activity to enjoy! If you are interested in starting the sport, there are some tips on how to plan a cheap fishing kayak trip with your friends that might prove useful.
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1. The Proper Gear
A good plan always starts with the equipment you’ll need. Of course, since we’re talking about a kayak fishing trip, the first thing you’ll need will, naturally, be the kayak. There are different kinds of kayaks – ones made for recreational purposes, and those designed specifically for fishing, among others. While fishing kayaks used to be somewhat expensive, you can find pretty affordable ones nowadays. If you’re just starting out, a good tip would be to get a basic fishing kayak which you can upgrade with extra gadgets as you develop your fishing style over time. A thing to keep in mind – no matter what kayak you get, they aren’t known for being the roomiest things around, so you need to plan what other equipment you’ll bring. A fishing rod, tackle bag, some basic tools (such as pliers, knives, and scissors), life jacket, and a mobile phone are a must. If you plan on enjoying your catch, you’ll also need a cooler. Keep in mind that you’ll probably get wet, so don’t forget a change of dry clothes. While these are the very basics, a kayak anchor might be a good thing to have on hand as well.
2. Destination And Transportation
If you want to make this trip economical, it’s probably best not to go too far away from home, so finding a location that works for everyone and that’s close by is your best bet. When it comes to transportation, carpooling is a great way to save on gas. If you have your own vehicle, consider picking up one or two of your friends on the way to make this trip easier for everyone. Depending on how many of you are going, and what kinds of kayaks you have – whether it seats two people or just one person, you may need more than one car. Still, even if you have to use two cars, it’s much cheaper than everyone driving their own. It’s also important to be aware of the time of year and weather conditions. Kayak fishing can be a great experience all year round, but some seasons are better than others depending on what kind of equipment you plan to invest in. Warm weather makes for the most economical time to go kayaking.
3. Bring Food And Drinks
One of the easiest ways to make sure you save money on any trip is to make sure to bring enough food and drinks from home so that you won’t have to buy anything at the local stores where you’re going. Investing in a portable water filter might be a good financial move as well. Apart from that, fishing trips are an excellent opportunity to try out a few recipes of your own with your friends, so why not experiment on them with some fish? Not only is it healthier than stopping at fast food on the way, but it’ll save you some cash as well! While it’s always a good idea to bring at least a can of food, in case fish just won’t bite that day, all you’ll really need is some vegetables to accompany your meals, some salt, as well as the necessary tools for cooking in nature. Of course, bringing a set of matches and a lighter can also be useful. On the other hand, if you think it’s just going to be a one-day trip, a coffee thermos, some sandwiches, and maybe a bear or two will be more than enough to last you throughout the day.
4. Camping
If you plan to spend more than a day on your fishing trip, then the best thing you can do for your budget is go camping. This is a fun way to enjoy nature and good company without the hustle and bustle of a city. If this is the plan, then you’ll need sleeping bags – even during the summer, the outdoors tend to get a bit cold during nightfall, as well as tents. Besides that, a flashlight, some camping chairs, a multitool, and a first aid kit are all important things to bring on any camping trip. Now, depending on where you’re going you might need some extra things as well. For example, if there are bears around, you might want to invest in a bear repellent, as well as food containers, so that any animals won’t try to join you for dinner at night.
Of course, some basic personal hygiene items, as well as some plates and cooking utensils, are always a good idea. Since you probably already have this around your house – or one of your friends do, you can bring even more fun on this trip by bringing some stuff to do around the campfire – cards, games, etc. No matter what the forecast says, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for some rainfall, so make sure to bring some rain gear. Some waterproof materials can be useful – not to mention that they’ll help you protect the kayak from getting damaged. One last thing to remember is to bring something for starting campfires – a lighter and matches are good options, but you need to make sure they’re always kept in a dry place.
Kayak fishing is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, have fun with friends, and catch some fish. By planning out your trip in advance, you can save a lot of money and still have a blast. If you want to save money, camping is the best option. By preparing food and drinks beforehand, bringing some camping essentials, as well as spending the night under the stars rather than in a local motel room will let you enjoy your trip without worrying about how much money you spend.
Last Updated on November 15, 2021
