11 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Kayak Fishing

If I could go back in time and know what I know now about kayak fishing... this is what I would tell myself. Hope it helps!
Wendell Fishing Merch ➡️ wendellfishing.myspreadshop.com/ ⬅️
⏱️TIMESTAMPS⏱️
0:38 #11 Do Your Research
2:08 #10 Carry These With You!
3:10 #9 Protect Your Hull / Keel Guard
4:29 #8 Know Your Depth, Speed, and Waypoints
5:43 #7 Kayak Transportation
6:27 #6 Attach Your Gear / DIY
7:29 #5 Rod Holders for Trolling
8:28 #4 Kayak Crate with 6 Rod Holders
9:19 #3 Know the Weather
10:03 #2 Defensive Kayaking
10:55 #1 Master This Lure to Catch More Bass!
🧰 GEAR REFERENCED 🧰
⚙️ Ceiling Hoist for Kayak: geni.us/RTrqy (Amazon)
🎣 Yak Attach Pro Omega Rod Holders: geni.us/YakAttackRodHolder (Amazon)
🐟 Garmin Stryker 4 Fish Finder: geni.us/Striker4FishFinder (Amazon)
🎥 VIDEOS REFERENCED 🎥
DIY Keel Guard: • Easy DIY KYDEX KEEL GU...
DIY Leashes: • How to Make a DIY Kaya...
Yak Attack Pro Omega Rod Holders: • Kayak Fishing Modifica...
Kayak Crate with Rod Holders: • The Ultimate DIY KAYAK...
How to Fish The Wacky Worm: • EASIEST Way to CATCH A...
CAMERA GEAR USED:
📸 - GoPro 7 Black: geni.us/Go_Pro_8 (Amazon)
🤳 - Manfrotto Monopod: geni.us/Manfrotto_Monopod (Amazon)
🦍 - Gorillapod Kit: geni.us/Joby_Gorillapod (Amazon)
🎥 - Ulanzi Go-Pro Casing: geni.us/GoPro_Case (Amazon)
🎙️ - Rode Mic: geni.us/Rode_Mic (Amazon)
📷 - Gopro Chest Mount: geni.us/ChestMountHarness (Amazon)
SOCIAL:
👍 - FACEBOOK: / wendellfishing
🕦 - TikTok: / wendellfishing
💻 - Website: www.WendellFishing.com
#WendellFishing
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

[@willfarkouh]

Awesome video!!!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks! One of the videos that I was really happy on how it turned out. Glad it brought value!

[@greatlakezgirl649]

I would like to add that it is very important to have a first aid kit on your kayak or bank fishing for that matter. And in that first aid kit add a wire cutter. I had a friend who got a hook in her finger and fortunately I had a wire cutter in my kit.

[@wendellfishing]

Big facts there.

[@joeybard8889]

New to kayak. Had bass boat. Boy, talk about different. Thanks for the info. I'm in north east Michigan. Thanx for helping

[@wendellfishing]

Glad to help Joey!

[@timothymnemonic79]

I am very grateful for your words of wisdom and actions.🐟

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks!

[@Fahrenheit_Motorsports]

I just picked up a kayak a few days ago. I’ve been doing some research while I’m at the in-laws for the holiday weekend/weekday. Came across your videos and man they are filled with some great information. I’ll be binge watching for days, just subbed! Thanks

[@wendellfishing]

My man! Thanks for the sub and reach out anytime! What yak did you end up with?

[@WendellWoodworks]

Great video. Good tips!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks!

[@richpitty]

I absolutely love my 10.5 ft old town top water pdl I have nothing bad to say about this kayak I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a fishing kayak you can stand up and fish super stable and pedals like a bike not like a hobie not a fan of the pedals on those

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Rich! I have people asking me all the time about kayak recco’s so thanks for the add

[@Teango]

Hey Rich, for a guy that is 6'4" 280lb. do you recommend the 10.5 or the 12ft Old Town Top Water Kayak?

[@richpitty]

@@Teango I’d guess you’d be ok in the 10.5 ft top water the seat has all kinds of notches for the seat lots of adjustment and you should still be able to stand in the boat there really sturdy on the water I absolutely love mine everywhere you go ppl comment on it in that note no matter what one you buy keep it safe I’d buy this over any fishing kayak just for the pdl option alone and how rugged everything is hope I helped some

[@colobisman6132]

I just ran across your videos. Excellent content, very informative and entertaining. I won't be buying a kayak until next February(2024) or so but I'm taking lots of notes on how to outfit my kayak efficiently and inexpensively. At this point I don't need to go crazy with add ons, I just need to get off the darn bank. I'll be checking out your other videos. Just FYI: I conceal carry for protection.

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks boss for stopping by! Plenty of time to do some solid research. If I can help let me know! Reach out anytime.. and you just never know with people nowadays

[@connerhansen9372]

IMO this is the best yt channel for us kayaking newbies

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks Boss! Appreciate it!

[@francoisjohannes3648]

I agree

[@michaelburk9171]

Thanks for the useful information. Beginners often watch videos of guys that have things totally dialed in. But many of those vids are much less tutorial and more, I'll say, showing off. Those cool guys went thru a learning curve too. They've all flipped their yaks, dropped gear, and flooded their fish finder battery boxes. They probably still do occasionally but just edit them out. If you're just starting out then start small. Not much gear and calmer bays n lakes. Add gear as you progress and find you need it. You'll only have what you actually need n won't waist money. I've noticed that guys that are great fisherman going in to yak fishing, but have no yakking/paddling experience, often have the toughest learning curves. They focus on fishing and overlook, or ignore, the yakking part. Both funny and tragic to see a guy in a yak do a huge bass pro hook set and throw himself right over the side of his yak. Out here in coastal southern California is usually surf launches and, the much more difficult, landings that hand these guys their asses. We even have a name for dumping your yak in the surf with nothing strapped down. We call it a "yard sale".

[@wendellfishing]

lol... I love it.. "Yard Sale"

[@psychopathicunity]

Haha my bar is also very low haha it's always a good day to fish. I love that everyone's packing heat hahaha

[@wendellfishing]

I was surprised as well

[@PhaizeFishing]

Great information

[@wendellfishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@snangoboman2111]

I literally just bought a fishing kayak for the first time two days ago and stumbled across your videos. I am from NE Ohio and we went out on the Mogadore Reservoir. To see you use that specific body of water was nothing short of mind blowing! And great video!

[@wendellfishing]

Snango! We will have to go fishing sometime. Where in NE OH do you live? I'm in Hartville.

[@snangoboman2111]

@@wendellfishing Heck yeah man! Small world! I actually live right in Mogadore about 2 minutes from the reservoir!

[@andriyshapovalov8886]

Let me guess : you have a cellphone and you tap on 'agree' in every app you download 😂

[@connerhansen9372]

IMO this is one of the best yak channels on yt

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks Conner!

[@513coneyslinger]

Have you done a video on setting up your fish finder?

[@wendellfishing]

I got you.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWXZiKWAq62BmJY

[@jwestfishing3229]

This is the kind of content that can really help a lot of people. Thanks for the insightful video. PS Amazon Associate program has been a challenge for me, but I may have it worked out soon. Thank you for the direction!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks a ton! Sorry about the challenge. Hope you figure it out soon. I’m a year in and make about $50 a month through the associate program. It’s worth it once you have it set up.

[@jwestfishing3229]

@@wendellfishing Setup has been the issue for me. None of my links were working. Then they sent me an email saying that I was removed from the program. Got another email this morning saying that I was reinstated. I have some things to work out, but I think it will be a good thing. Thanks again!

[@wendellfishing]

That’s weird. Sorry for the rigamarole.

[@jwestfishing3229]

@@wendellfishing I appreciate that! Definitely not your fault! It is what it is, I'm sure it'll all get worked out. Probably my fault for being such a green horn when it comes to this program. Tight lines!

[@fernandosantiago8451]

Thank you! Great info for sure!

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Fernando!

[@magicalmidget9731]

Yeah no more fishing feom shore and getting crowded and line crossed,and where to plan your travels,grat video

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks boss.... appreciate it!

[@presidentspilot]

Great tips, Wendell REALLY GREAT! Thank you for taking the time to video your learned-lessons, to pass on to us newbies!!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks a ton! Appreciate you reaching out.

[@wyldedime6516]

Thanks for this love your videos!

[@wendellfishing]

Right on.. thanks WyldeDIME. Appreciate it.

[@Alniemi]

Wow you really go over the top with planning. I love it! Would love to see some vids of you fishing. I'll have to check your channel, Great video!

[@wendellfishing]

Well, I go over the top with planning because it's not fishing season quite yet in NE Ohio. It snowed today so I focus on videos like these. Come here May and the fishing videos will dominate.

[@PhaizeFishing]

Great information brother

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks for watching Phaize!

[@wild_ohio]

Hey man, we're from the same area! I fish Mogadore all the time and would definitely like to learn more about kayak fishing in the spring. I'm purchasing my first fishing kayak at the end of the week and I'm really excited about it. Thank you for the informative video!

[@wendellfishing]

Hey Matt, we may just have to hit the water together in the spring. What yak did you end up getting?

[@KayakFishing44]

Great insight bro!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks Jason!

[@monsterbass007]

Great video!!!

[@wendellfishing]

🤘

[@castncatchem3808]

Glad I found your channel. I’m looking into buying a kayak for fishing and you have a lot of great advice. Just subscribed and will continue to checkout more of your videos

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks Cast and Catchem... If you are buying used.. I'm working on a used fishing kayak inspection guide. It will be out in a couple of weeks. Have fun out there.

[@castncatchem3808]

@@wendellfishing definitely looking forward to that video! I was going to buy a yak from a buddy of mine but it was one that you sit in and a few friends recommended one that you sit on for safety reasons so I decided not to buy it. I didn’t want to buy an expensive one cause it will be my first experience. Don’t want to spend 2K on one and not like it then take a loss.

[@Rhymeswithlaughter]

Great video! I need to make leashes for sure!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks… Appreciate it!

[@ta2fr3ak]

Lot of good info,im just starting

[@wendellfishing]

Right on! Welcome to the best way to fish

[@mlinkinsfla]

Great video. I would also recommend a paddling PFD. It makes getting back into the kayak much easier if you are in deeper water. While I have only tipped over once, it was early in my kayak experience and I was glad I had my PFD on. I use the pockets on mine for all kinds of thins (pliers, line cutter, phone, etc.)

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Mike.. thanks for the add

[@CarlosRamirez-rq9zw]

I just got the sea dolphin Aruba 10 you have there. It's my main cause I'm broke lol I'm really interested in that modification video!!!

[@wendellfishing]

Carlos! You work with what you got.. you can catch a PB out of a Sun Dolphin just as easily as you can a Hobie! I have a couple mods for the Sun Dolphin that I have already done, but there's more to come for sure. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZewlouBmNGmh7c

[@michaelburk9171]

I started on a big old wind surfing board I got for free. Caught lots of fish from that thing. Do the best you can with what you can

[@patrickkoch8619]

As someone that just bought a Hoodoo 120P, I found this video incredibly helpful. It's on backorder, but I've been trying to get everything ready for when it does come in because I know I'm going to be super anxious to get it out on the water.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Patrick, Thanks for the add!

[@1kush130]

Thanks for all the info. New sub just found you and looking to buy a kayak real soon. Will be checking all your videos out.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Kush.. Let me know what you come up with!

[@1kush130]

@@wendellfishing I finally did it. Just bought the 133 Acsend. Gonna go pick it up tomorrow.

[@logancrocker4194]

you can make your own anchor line control to drop the anchor off the bow or the stern with a pulley and an eye hook

[@wendellfishing]

Sounds possible to me, I have yet to do it.

[@michaelburk9171]

Those are great. An anchor trolley can work well to.

[@austinhernandez2716]

I just got the Hoodoo Impulse 120, a huge upgrade from cheap $300 kayak my mom got me for Christmas a couple of years ago(which I'm still thankful for and still use for small creeks or when I'm in a hurry). I use a leash on everything. Thankfully it has a lot of storage that locks up well. I gotta screw on some eye hooks to attach the leashes though. And it's got a ton of storage but I want to make a storage box that can close to secure everything inside.

[@wendellfishing]

My man... congrats on the upgrade! I also have a $300 kayak for streams and beating up. A good buddy kayak

[@austinhernandez2716]

@@wendellfishing Yeah I let my friends and family use it too. Always good to have spares

[@Alniemi]

try some blue loc tite for the crank bolts! Its still a good idea to carry a tiny tool, but some blue stuff on those threads will for sure keep it from backing out!!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks Alaric, I think I heard this on another video as well but have never gotten around to getting some. Thanks for the add!

[@danareed1656]

oh and you can get to some places other boats cant go, do to ur smaller size!

[@wendellfishing]

Big facts there :)

[@stuwyatt7135]

Nice video, Thanks for putting it our there. What type of 12 Volt battery are you using to run your Fish Finder. Is there a compact battery that you use?

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks Stu.... I use the Nocqua 10AH Pro Power. They are compact and last a long time. Here's the link: geni.us/Nocqua10Ah and here's video I shot on how to install: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWXZiKWAq62BmJY Hope that helps.

[@alexcuellar2788]

I just got a Hobie this video is very good

[@wendellfishing]

Appreciate it Alex!

[@Mike1-]

Great video , very informational thank you I’m thinking about getting into kayak fishing/polespearing in Florida and your videos are great help 👍🏽 any tips for pole spearing in kayaks ?

[@wendellfishing]

I don't but I wish I did because it sounds amazing

[@michaelburk9171]

I spear fish out of a kayak occasionally. It's important to get your anchoring set up dialed in. Don't go light because having you yak drag or pull anchor and drift off sucks. And can be dangerous if you're far out to sea. It might be over kill. But I use a 3 lbs 4 blade folding anchor and, likes larger boats, a length of chain. And even in shallow water, let out plenty of line. Use an anchor trolley so you can deploy it from the bow. . Get comfortable getting on and off your kayak. And since you're in Florida I highly recommend putting you fish in a waterproof bag, box, or cooler. You don't want fish scent dripping out the scuppers of your yak n making a chum line. And for safety sake put a diver down flag on a top of a fishing pole or other tall pole.

[@Mike1-]

@@michaelburk9171 Thank you so much for this info I appreciate it . What is the name of your kayak if you don’t mind sharing i unfortunately haven’t been able to get my set up and started . Also do you ever go alone In your trips or try to go with a fishing buddy ?

[@michaelburk9171]

@@Mike1- I have an old Ocean Kayak prowler 15. It's a long narrow wet ass yak, but its light, paddles great, handles choppy conditions, a does well in the surf. I almost always go out alone.

[@MyFunnyVids888]

Georgia has a special law when it comes to being able to carry firearms with or without a license. In which if you're either fishing or hunting you are free to carry a firearm on you without a license as long as you have permission from the owner of the land. So its weird because in order to carry a small firearm you need a ccw license and you need to be 21 to get that but you can carry a long gun as long as its fully exposed even without a ccw.

[@wendellfishing]

That is special. Our governor here in Ohio just signed a law where you can conceal carry without a license or any training.

[@MyFunnyVids888]

@@wendellfishing Georgia's is more around the idea that there is a lot of dangerous game. We've got alligators, cottonmouths and copperheads, wild boar (i might be mistaken on that one), and black bears. So one might usually pack some heat when fishing in Georgia

[@wendellfishing]

That makes sense. Those 🐗 take no prisoners.

[@western.pa.fishing]

All great tips. What part of Ohio? I live in western pa I travel north to pymatuning often. It’s one of my favorite lakes to fish.

[@wendellfishing]

I’m in Canton Ohio Area. I’ve heard of Pymatuming … it’s a couple of hours away. Might have to make the trip sometime

[@billthomas2431]

Good video Wendell ¿ I Hobie lynx kayak fish. Ocean mostly. The only thing I care to add is. About leashes. When the wind, current, waves etc. Are faster than you can swim ¿ leash yourself to the kayak at least the length of the kayak. Also the pfd makes a good step for reentry. Surfers know this you can't out swim the waves and your flotation ain't going nowhere . CHEERS 🍻 I tie my leg rope to the bow so I can use it to help pull my old ass up outa the seat ¿

[@wendellfishing]

I always appreciate additions from those salt life kayakers. It’s not something I have a lot of experience with so thanks for the add. Makes sense.

[@adammitchell3462]

Im tryin to find some milk crates...the ones on Amazon are over $20 a pop and i need 2😢

[@DueSouthFishing]

I probably have better than 50 things I wish I knew lol, Great Video.

[@wendellfishing]

I think I’m going to make another video on the subject. Would love to hear some of the 50!

[@TWC6724]

What was that website that you were able to view a topographical map and print it out? I really want to print out one myself.

[@wendellfishing]

I don’t know of one set website that provides topo maps for every lake so I just search “your local lake topographic map” and click images and you can quickly find your local lake.

[@pitchkapizda8355]

Genius

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Bronx Babic!

[@wait4dl]

what fish finder do u use?

[@wendellfishing]

Hey Dwain, I use a Garmin Stryker 4 Fish Finder: geni.us/Striker4FishFinder (Amazon) and I power it with the Nocqua Battery Pack. Here's a vid of the install if you are interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWXZiKWAq62BmJY

[@CyberYakerAdventures]

I put out on a video saying I don’t know why more people don’t troll for bass. It gets them every time.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on… what’s your go to favorite lure for trolling?

[@CyberYakerAdventures]

@@wendellfishing the Spro lipless cranks. Or any lipless crank 5/8. Not a fan of the rat l traps though. The Spro have a little thicker body.

[@wendellfishing]

I will have to check them out. Thanks!

[@TheHandystanley]

New subscriber.

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks Stanley!

[@peterfagley772]

PFD should be # 1

[@wendellfishing]

Oh yeah.. why's that?

[@Roving_Ridge_Runner]

I carry a slingshot with pepper spray paint balls when I'm kayak fishing.

[@wendellfishing]

I didn’t believe those existed and I thought you were pulling my leg so I looked them up. Impressive!

[@Superbabiez]

What about ponds ? Without the name of the pond, how do you research the depth?

[@wendellfishing]

I then go to google earth pro and look at the past years to get clues

[@mikemcdonald5147]

I personally have never liked the rod holders that have the rods up and down. I tried and get them in the way on my back cast and under trees. I want all my rods laying down flat in the boat so they aren't sticking up and catching on everything.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Mike.. do you run rod stagers then?

[@Sickle7100]

I'm thinking about getting a kayak to fish. I'm assuming it's common knowledge to many, but not me ... why would boaters get aggravated or mess with kayaker?

[@wendellfishing]

Great question man.. But it's real

[@stephenbeaver2035]

I have a bass boat. I feel like I am running more then fishing. When I fish out of a kayak I feel like I can see what is going on in the water.

[@wendellfishing]

Yeah, I see them all of the time running from spot, sucks up more time than you think.

[@Teango]

For a guy that 6'4" 280lb, what Kayak do you recommend? My budget is $3,000

[@wendellfishing]

Hello Josean, with this info, it's hard to guide you as any recommendation would not only take into consideration your weight and height but also the type of fishing you do and where you do it. This will get you started and the good news is that you have the budget to get a nice one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIeTpIuberBknJo

[@badwolffishing]

Thanks I don't think I'll be least you my stuff I could use some new stuff

[@wendellfishing]

Badwolf... we all could use some new stuff right!?!

[@davidhill7495]

Soak rusted tools in vinegar, it will bring them back.

[@wendellfishing]

I don’t believe I knew that trick! Thanks

[@predragstanojevic4101]

I'm bank flyfisherman in Florida. Places for fishing is in fresh and brackish water with max 3 foot deep water. I finally have cayak, is Tucktek folding kayak and that is my only choice because I no have room to kiped any firm tipe kayak. I using 2 rods 9 food long #8 and #6 with floting line. My favorite flys is popers. For my beginning kayak flyfishing big mouth bass and everything else I need your help. Thanks Stan.

[@wendellfishing]

Hey Stan! Thanks for stopping by and reach out with questions anytime!

[@pendragofan]

If you have a 3d printer itll save you a ton of money with mods as well

[@wendellfishing]

Makes sense to me

[@pendragofan]

@@wendellfishing btw im looking to buy my first kayak i have decided to get a pedal as primary use will be for fishing. Do stores normally have good black friday deals on them? Also as 99% are within 100.00 of each other what is the most stable one yoy could recommend as my balance sucks

[@wendellfishing]

@@pendragofan I can't help you much on BF deals as all my kayaks have come through FB Marketplace. However if you are looking for a highly rated kayak w/stability. Check out the Native Slayer Propel 13 paddling.com/learn/best-pedal-drive-fishing-kayaks#Slayer%20Propel%2013

[@pendragofan]

or just buy a feelfree kayak with the wheel already on it XD

[@wendellfishing]

There ya go!

[@whocarescameraj1809]

I usually dont like videos, but the advice to not leash your stuff if your wife doesnt let you buy gear, was sound.

[@wendellfishing]

Here to help :)

[@kaya7412]

who the fack doesnt carry a knife when they go fishing?

[@wendellfishing]

true story

[@kaya7412]

@@wendellfishing Just order my first kayak so im bench watching videos about kayakfishing, i just found your channel and i really like it.👍👍👍

[@andrewortiz2010]

humm, dont lease a thing...

[@wendellfishing]

I only by cash

[@fhorst41]

Should have stuck with your list of 41 things...

[@wendellfishing]

How come?

[@fhorst41]

@@wendellfishing I wasn't done watching when it ended 😁

[@wendellfishing]

@@fhorst41 :) Right on brother.. I will keep em comin!

[@tomecalm7]

#12 Bring an empty Gatorade bottle. There aren't any bathrooms on your yak, and most people can't stand in theirs. JS

[@wendellfishing]

Solid Tip.... and doubles as a hand warmer on cold days

[@tomecalm7]

@@wendellfishing 🤣