How to Kayak Camp
One of an outdoor enthusiasts’ and kayak angler's favorite time of year is... camping season! Whether you’re an avid hiker, cyclist or kayak angler, we all look forward to spending more time in the great outdoors as soon as the weather allows - whether early Spring, Summer or Fall - so we can keep hooking up with the big bass or crappies as long as possible to extend the season.
If you’re anything like me, as soon as you know camping season is about to start (or even if you just need another excuse to buy more camping gear), you’re making sure that everything in your camping gear stash is in working order and ready to rock and roll. As a fishing kayaker, there are several things that should be taken into consideration when planning that weekend-long, or week-long, fishing kayak camping adventure out on your favorite body of water - or better yet, that body of water you’ve been longing to explore over the course of several days while kayak fishing.
So let’s talk about some important tips to ensure that you have a safe and successful time while knowing how to enjoy the art of kayak fishing camping.
Don’t pack the kitchen sink
When packing a fishing kayak for an overnight angling excursion, I like to pull a few pages out of a backpacker’s DIY book. What I mean by that is to pack minimally. Although we aren’t packing all of our gear on our back, we do have to paddle it and pack it in our fishing kayak, and in some cases, even portage our load. So I like to lay all the gear that I think I may need out onto the floor and categorize it into ‘like’ piles. Since I pack all my things into dry bags (or you can DIY it with large zip-lock bags), I lay them out as well. Matter of fact, you’ll find it easier to pack using several smaller dry bags instead of just a couple of large ones. Once everything is laid out and categorized, go through and set aside things you don’t need. You’d be surprised what you can get away with not having while kayak fishing camping. If you’re going with a kayak angling group, get together and make a list of what each of you could bring. Everyone doesn’t need to pack a roll of toilet paper, you don’t need four stoves, you might be sharing a tent… you get the idea. Oh, and pre-pack your fishing kayak with the gear you want to take. You’ll find out real quick what you can fit and what you cannot.
Plan ahead
Piggy-backing off of my first tip to kayak fishing camping is to plan ahead. When packing your fishing kayak, don’t store items that need to be readily accessible in an inaccessible location. Remember that toilet paper? Yeah, make sure it’s readily available. Your sleeping gear can be packed low and away in your fishing kayak since you’ll only need it in the evenings once you’re somewhere that you’ll stay for the night. So think ahead of how accessible you’ll want some items and it’ll save you a ton of headaches throughout your trip. And remember: pre-pack your fishing kayak to help figure out where things are better suited.
Weight distribution
This may very well be the single most important aspect when it comes to packing your angling kayak: evenly distributing your weight. This will make all the difference once you hit the water. A good rule of thumb is to pack all your heavy items toward the center of your fishing kayak; this usually includes your food, cookware and stove. All of your lighter and/or bulky items can be left at the ends. Most importantly, be sure that everything is low and centered in order to keep the fishing kayak balanced. If you’re listing to one side or another it will make for a long and agonizing trip, so repack if you find this happening to you. Did I mention to pre-pack your fishing kayak?
Leave a float plan
When it comes to safety, this is the single most important piece of information that I can give you. Always, ALWAYS, leave a float plan with someone around your kayak angling camping trip, even when you’re just off on a day trip. A float plan should be left with someone that can reach out for help if need be. A proper kayak fishing float plan should consist of this information:
- A detailed description of your fishing kayak
- Names/emergency contact/special medical conditions of all people in your angling party
- A detailed itinerary including: (1) Departure location/time, (2) Arrival location/time, (3) Any stopovers that you will have
Remember, the more information the better. I personally know how important having a kayak fishing float plan can be. On a routine day trip angling for bass in the back country, my friend and I took our fishing kayaks out on a scouting mission. We ended up getting turned around and lost in the dark after catching a ton of bass and losing track of time. We luckily got to shore where we hiked and found a cabin to stay overnight in. Because I left a float plan with my wife, she knew where we were and when we were supposed to be back. When we didn’t return, she called the proper authorities who found us the next morning via plane. That seemingly innocent trip that we’d taken many times could have ended up much worse than it did if not for our kayak fishing float plan. So leave a float plan, always. For kayak camping trips that always entail overnighting, it's even more important.
Must-haves
Although everyone and every kayak fishing trip are different when it comes to “protocol” equipment and gear, there are some emergency must-haves that I would recommend to everyone. These items include:
- Vibe Tumbler
- Knife
- Duct tape
- Compass/map
- Signaling device (both sound and visual; DIY options work, too)
- Multi-tool
- Waterproof matches/Firestarter
- Waterproof cellphone case
- Dry bags
- Rope or paracord
- First-aid kit (DIY bundles can be easily made)
- Spare paddle (or a DIY option)
These items can take you a long way if need be and should not be overlooked.
Obey the law
Last, but certainly not least, is to be sure that you are enjoying your kayak fishing trip within the parameters of local laws and regulations. Do your homework on the area you plan to visit so that you’re aware of any restrictions that they may have. Requiring camping permits or allowing open campfires are just a couple things that may be regulated in the area. Do your research. And of course, be sure that fires are completely put out and that you’re not leaving any trash behind. Proper ‘leave no trace’ practices will ensure that the area is left in good condition for the next person.
So whether you’re a seasoned camper looking to add the spice of fishing kayaking or a kayak angler looking to add the thrill of camping, these tips will not only allow you to have peace of mind when headed out, but will also give peace of mind to your family and loved ones while kayak fishing and camping. Proper packing, leaving a float plan and having essential gear are all part of a successful and enjoyable trip while camping out on the water and kayak fishing. So embrace the camping season, have fun and make memories!
