Kayak fishing has converted many a fisherman in recent times. And it’s easy to see why. Versatility and stealth are often highlighted first, but there’s a little more to it than that. Exploring new waters, most often skipped over by boat anglers is perhaps the best aspect, and the day you come to realise just how prosperous this can be, is usually the day you become a convert. Shane Bowman explains.

Fishing has given me some great experiences over the years. Whether I was fishing from a boat, on a jetty, or off the beach, I have always found some enjoyment provided there was an opportunity to catch something. One of the best things I have found with fishing is that there is always something new to try and being open minded can more often than not lead to success.
VERSATILITY IS THE KEY
Kayak fishing was a form of fishing that I had been eager to try for a long time, mainly because I wanted to be able to go fishing in places that are difficult to access via boat. After a bit of research, I realised there was a lot more to get excited about than just access.
Kayaks are perfect for fishing in rivers, protected waters and even close to the shore at the beach. The compact designs are perfect for those with limited storage space and they’re light enough to be chucked on the roof racks for a weekend away. Launching a kayak can be done from just about anywhere, opening up plenty of opportunity for anglers seeking that ultimate remote location.
There’s a whole range of kayaks designed specifically for fishing. A standard angling kayak comes equipped with rod holders and storage compartments, and many anglers invest in technology such as sounders and GPS, creating a more sophisticated fish finding machine.
At the beginning of last summer I purchased a second-hand Hobie Outback. Not only does the Outback come packed with standard fishing features, it is also powered by the Hobie Mirage-drive pedal system, which as most would know, is the most popular system.
Buying second hand meant that I also scored a couple of extras that the previous owner had added to his kayak package, including carting wheels, Garmin sounder, waterproof storage bags and other little goodies. My first trip out on the kayak was used to get a feel for my kayak and to get myself geared up, ready to fish. On my second trip things started to heat up. I chose a well-known local fishing location that would suit me as a kayak fishing novice. The plan was simple: stay close to shore and catch some fish. Little did I know, this would turn out to be a hot little session that could change my future approach to fishing.

Twin Kings

FIRST TIME LUCKY
A short distance from the shore I began drifting over some patches of broken bottom (weed with sand patches) in the hope of catching some squid which I could use later for bait. The high tide was at its peak and about to turn. The early morning calm conditions were ideal for squidding and the only noise to break the complete silence was me casting my squid jig for the first time. The silence was a peacefulness you don`t experience in a boat as often.
My jig was only given enough time to sink half way to the bottom when it was wrapped up in the tentacles of a hungry squid. I was off to a good start, happy to get my first catch in my kayak and equally happy not to be covered in ink during the process. The success continued in this same spot as I managed to pull in another two squid over the following 20 minutes, and I was now satisfied with my fresh bait supply.
I was excited to start trolling and a nearby jetty looked perfect for me to find my next catch. Holding my 2 to 5 kg rod over the side, I flicked open the bail arm and released a 20 gm chrome Halco and set the lure about 25 m behind the yak. As I approached the jetty the screen on my sounder became active, indicating small fish were about. The water got deeper too, nearing nine metres.
The first fish struck and despite its best efforts, the Stradic 1000 handled it with ease. Up came up the biggest tommy ruff (Australian herring) I had seen in a long time. With little fuss the tommy came aboard only to be released a short time later.
Eager to find out what other fish were around, I set off again and began to troll. Just as I got my kayak on the move, my rod arched over once again. The moment I lifted my rod from the rod holder I could tell this next fish was a little more substantial. The Stradic spool released some line as the fish made a sporting charge towards the safety of the nearby jetty. Finally I got my opportunity to gain back some line as the fish took a spell from its enthusiastic burst. Out in the clear again, I felt a little more comfortable as it took a much shorter run.
Eventually I managed to get some more line back on my reel, and soon I could see some colour as the fish came to the surface. It was no surprise to see a solid 2 to 3 kg salmon on the end of my line. I lent over at full stretch and grabbed my leader, triggering the salmon’s final desperate attempt for freedom. The salmon shook its head and my lure popped free from its mouth.

Six Kingfish in a session is a cracking tally

KING OF THE JETTY
A little disappointed not to land the feisty salmon, I continued on to see if I could find one of his mates attacking the bait ball alongside the jetty. Without much luck I decided to try the opposite side. The screen lit up with larger fish sitting toward the surface. I knew they had to be kingfish. They weren’t monsters, but with the tackle I had onboard, I was going to be up for a serious challenge.
Kingfish in a popular location such as this can be exceptionally fussy when it comes to what bait you throw at them, but with a good supply of squid only metres away toward the shore I knew I had a good chance at tempting even the pickiest of fish. The trolling rod was wound up and I made a quick dash back to the shallow water in search of live bait.
A snapper rod and reel combo that I had rigged up previously was converted into my kingfish set up by removing the hooks and sinker and replacing both with just a single hook suited for live bait. The fishing gods must have been keeping an eye on me that moment and I pulled in the perfect size squid ready to tempt the kingies back at the jetty. I scooped some water into a bucket which now acted as my live bait tank while I made the short journey back.
Upon my arrival, I was swamped by the kingies once again. My squid was still full of life as I pierced the single hook through the very tip of its hood. I set my drag, flipped over my bail arm, and released plenty of line as I watched my live bait disappear. One after the other the kingfish hammered my bait as I sat patiently waiting for my moment to strike. Finally a kingy took all that was left of the squid and went for a good run. I gave it plenty of opportunity to swallow the bait before I set the hook.
My rod buckled over, the tip submerged below the surface and my snapper reel screamed as the kingfish took line at a rapid rate. It had its sights set on fixing me up with some foul play at the jetty but its run fell a little short and that was enough for me to gain some line back on my spool. The determined fish went for several runs similar to its first and once within reach I gave the 40 lb leader a hoist and landed my first kingy.
With a smile from ear to ear I took a few snaps, measured it at 63 cm and then released it for some other lucky bugger to catch. I repeated the process of catching another squid and nailed another kingy. This time the fish swallowed the hook and given it was over legal size I decided to keep it for a feed.
I was now up for a new challenge so it was time to go lighter. I altered the ultra light combo I used for trolling a little earlier by replacing the lure with just a single 7/0 hook ready for another bait. As eager as before they followed my bait well into the clear and moments later I received a solid hook up. The adrenalin was pumping even more than earlier as my little Stradic got smoked. I placed a finger on the spool in a further attempt to slow this fish’s rapid run, which once again was in a direct line toward the jetty. It was a helpless feeling watching my line go awkwardly close to what would be a quick finish, but again fortune was on my side as the kingfish pulled up remarkably close to the structure.
Working and levering, I carefully regained some line. Not quite in the clear just yet, the kingy went on another run and I held on again in hope. My opportunity to gain some line came again and this time I managed to see the glow of the fish coming toward the surface.
Carefully and patiently I allowed the kingy to tire before I brought it up to the side of my kayak. Relief finally came as I got hold of my leader and lifted my catch aboard. After a photo I revived the kingy and then watched it swim away. Stoked, I gathered another fresh bait from my esky and went to battle again with the light tackle. In similar fashion I brought the next kingfish in with another anxious moment or two.
POP, POP
My day was travelling well and with plenty of hours left in the day what could stop me? The weather of course, but I wasn’t prepared to call it a day just yet. It was only a quick paddle to shore and back at the car I had a wetsuit and a couple of poppers which I was keen to try. Ten minutes later, with wetsuit on and popper set on my line, I was back at the jetty within casting range.
In my opinion, fishing with poppers can be the ultimate fishing experience; watching the chase right on the surface, seeing the hit, and seeing the fish attack the lure. With the way my day was going so far, I was positive that using poppers would continue the day’s success. It took only one pop of my lure and the Kingfish were going crazy, I could see them soaring across the surface as they charged at my popper and it was on again. I used my feet to paddle away even further from the jetty and pulled my fish out into the clear. This was it, the pinnacle of a great day on the water! I took all the time and care in the world, as I spent the next couple of minutes pulling in yet another kingy.
The weather continued to worsen and it was time to make a plan to head home, so I dedicated the last squid in my esky to be my final bait for the day. Using my ultra light combo once again, I lowered my line for the last time. The kingies were still in full force, hitting my bait with the same intensity as they had done all day. The little reel peaked again and I went into battle with a fiery king. A short time later I landed my sixth and final fish of the day.
What an introduction to kayak fishing. If I were in my boat I would never have fished this location and if I did I would have missed the bait ball. After catching quality fish in a kayak it’s been hard to turn back to boat fishing. I don’t think I’ll ever go back.
I’ve experienced many good days since the one divulged here, but none have been as special as this one. It was the day I became a kayak fisherman after all.

Shane Bowman was introduced to fishing at the age of 4 by his grandfather Merv Bowman a well-known and professional fisherman in Ardrossan. Shane was instantly addicted and spent much of his childhood and teenage years fishing Yorke Peninsula by boat and the Coorong and South Australian jetties by shore. Shane loves using a kayak to hunt in the ocean and share his techniques and experiences.