Kayak Casting Accuracy

When the bass bite is insanely good you can throw anywhere and get a hit. Unfortunately this window of opportunity is rare and limited in duration. Common sense in casting (and presenting) your bait says that the shorter the distance a fish has to go to eat the more likely you are to get a bite. Big fish don’t get big from chasing food sources for a long distance, it’s a return on investment type of logic. Certain weather and water conditions can decrease the size of the strike zone of a bass. Severe cold fronts, muddy water from recent rains, extreme heat are a few of these factors. This is when casting accuracy is at a premium. What are the casting mechanics that will help the kayak angler fool a few more fish? Here’s my recommendations.

• Balance in equipment is important. I try to use fishing rods of similar length and action so they all feel the same when I pick them up or more importantly when I make a switch. Normally a seven foot rod, medium action and a huge advantage in the “balancing act” is the same weight bait! I tend to lean towards 3/8ths ounce versions of jigs, spinnerbaits, Texas rigged soft plastics, shakey heads, buzzbaits and more. Again they provide the same feel and make accuracy more likely.
• Maybe not for everyone but I prefer to stand in my kayaks. (I wear a life jacket 100% of the time) Each of my Jacksons is rigged with a casting brace that allows me to stand and switch paddle and rod without much effort. Standing also facilities target recognition from a visual perspective. The hook set is also more easily accomplished from a standing position. If you are relegated to sitting the high position is better if possible.
• From a mechanics standpoint starting with the same amount of line from the rod tip to the lure each time, doing this makes for a consistent feel and increases the chance for the pin point location of the lure. Reel set up, same line, same spool tension and even the weight of the outfit are pluses also.
• For most single hook baits, jigs, soft plastic worms, craws and bass tubes I almost always employ the underhand pitching technique. Pitching allows for silent lure entry, low profile casts into confined spaces and is sneaky quiet. If not pitching try a low trajectory launch of your lure.
• Sloppy cast alert spooky fish especially in clear water environments. Low light early and late in the day will mask poor cast and presentation to a degree but rarely result in trophy size fish.
• Casting practice off the water with new equipment or techniques is highly recommended. Start with a large target and work your way down.
• Consider casting past your assumed fish holding spot or object to avoid again scaring your potential catch. Multiple presentations from different angles sometimes results in setting the hook on bass species of all sizes and types.

A bad cast in the best spot probably won’t get the job done, but an accurate cast (even to an ugly spot) coupled with a realistic presentation could lead to the fish of a lifetime.