Kayak Fishing the Shallows Successfully
4-minute read + 5:30-minute video
“I know fishing shallow water looks easy,” says Gene Jensen (aka Flukemaster and Bending Branches ProStaffer), “but it’s actually where beginners struggle the most.”
Gene Jensen, aka Flukemaster, member of Branches’ National ProStaff team
In shallow water, fish don’t have the option to swim deeper to escape danger. Hiding places may not be as available as in other environments. So fish rely on what they see, the vibrations they feel, and on the shadows cast over them.
Because you’re so close to the fish in shallow water, it’s easy to spook them and send them swimming. Gene offers several tips and tricks for beginners to make fishing in the shallows more successful.
Take a few minutes to watch Gene’s video for these tips, or skip down and read below:
Tip #1: Keep Noise to the Bare Minimum
Your paddle may splash a bit when it enters the water, or you might bump it slightly on the side of your kayak during your stroke. Maybe you drop it to pick up your rod instead of setting it down gently. Paddle drip on the water. Setting gear down heavily.
All of those seemingly subtle noises are amplified in the water, and let the fish know you’re there. They won’t stick around long.
Other sources of noise can be an electric motor, a pedal drive, the sonar on your fish finder, “splashy casts,” or standing abruptly so your kayak moves and ripples the water. Keep all these noises to the bare minimum and you’ll have more success.
Tip #2: Think About Your Cast
“Where you land your cast is more important than the bait you’re using,” Gene says. An effective way to lessen your bait’s splash is to use a sidearm cast.
Then, instead of casting right where the fish are, cast past them and reel in toward your target. That way, the splash of the bait right above them won’t scare them away.
Tip #3: Learn Where Fish Like to Hang Out
In shallow water, fish like to position themselves in places where they don’t have to work hard: out of the current behind rocks or logs…places where prey is likely to swim by, like the grass angles Gene points out in his video.
This can change day by day, depending on the weather and wind. It can also change as the season goes on and as aquatic vegetation grows and fills the water more densely.
Tip #4: Use Bait Strategically
Gene likes small spinner baits, Ned rigs and Senkos for shallow water. What you’re after with any of these is less splash and more natural falls. A flashy bait and aggressive style won’t serve you as well in shallow water as a subtle approach will.
Tip #5: Cover a Promising Area Well
“Most beginners leave good shallow water too fast,” Gene says. “Once a fish starts to chase or you see a boil, slow way down and pick that area apart.”
If there’s one fish there, there are likely to be more, but they won’t school closely together. So take your time and fish several different spots in the area. If you miss a fish, stay quiet and let things settle down a bit. It may go back to the same area, and you can try again if you don’t scare it away.
“Shallow fish really do spook easily, but they calm down a lot faster than you think.”
(Photo courtesy of @rural.fisherman)
Put It All Together
Be intentional. Slow down. Stay quiet. Fish through the water, don’t rush past it.
Those are Gene’s best tips for beginning kayak anglers who like to fish shallow water.
Want more from Gene, aka Flukemaster? He has a ton of great video content on his YouTube channel. You’ll also find him on Instagram and Facebook.
What paddling questions can our friendly Customer Service team help you with? Contact us at 715-755-3405 or bbinfo@bendingbranches.com, or choose our online chat option.
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