K
ayaking and small 
boats (under 4m) 
don’t require a lot of 
money to get started 
but beware - poor 
choices can cost you 
money or your ego 
and of course when 
it comes to safety, it can cost 
you your life so pay attention 
before setting out on the water.
GETTING INTO KAYAK FISHING
Kayaks are a terrific way to grow 
your skills and knowledge on the 
water. A second-hand quality 
kayak such as Viking kayaks are a 
great investment and on the used 
market you are likely to be able to 
pick up a whole package of gear. 
Before you rush off out for a serious 
trip, do a shorter trip and test all 
your gear - is it within reach and 
easy to access? Where will you 
stow your gear and hold your fish? 
Always check the weather and log 
a trip with Coastguard and don’t 
forget to carry your phone in a 
waterproof case on your person.
PRACTICE AND GET CONFIDENT
Before fishing, I would highly 
recommend taking your kayak out 
on a safe beach where there's a 
bit of surf and practicing paddling 
in the waves. Practice tipping out 
and getting back on your kayak in 
the deeper water (where there’s 
no surf). Even if you don’t plan 
on beach launching for your first 
few trips, this will help you get 
familiar with the limits of your 
kayak and current skillset.
Kayak fishing is a stealthy way of 
targeting big snapper that come 
inshore on our reefs so learn the 
basics and get confident with your 
kayak. Fish with a mate or better 
still, join a club for a season to learn 
the ropes and make new friends.
BOATS UNDER 15FT
Small boats (9-13ft) are likewise a 
great way to fish our inshore reefs 
and harbours, with aluminium 
boats the most popular and 
inflatables such as RIBs a close 
second. Aluminium is more 
durable but more expensive and 
heavier to tow and drag places.
Inflatables can pack down onto 
trailers but can puncture and leak 
air. They are designed to have 
multiple chambers, so the whole 
boat won’t deflate and leave you 
in the water. You’re likely to have 
to repair the tubes every year or so 
after fish spines, hook points or bait 
knives make punctures in the tubes.
Kayaks are a great step into 
small craft fishing.
Feature
20  FISHING IN GODZONE MAGAZINE

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