Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2020 - 41

important too. Whether it be a waist-high rail that connects
to the kayak or a strap that you can grab onto without
a standing aid, you will find getting up and back down
cumbersome. When standing, make sure that your platform
area has good traction. Having shoes that also have good
traction helps in conjunction with the floor material.

Fishing

My biggest reason for owning a stand-up kayak is the
fishing advantages. I can spot structures coming up well
before I get to these locations. This helps with sight fishing.
Whereas, if I were sitting, I would not see structures until it
is too late. You can still get into places that a boat cannot but
with additional advantages.
How do you maneuver the kayak while standing? I use
four methods, depending on the conditions and the kayak
itself. One method is to figure out the direction of the wind
and position yourself to turn your body into a sail, so the
wind will push you along. Turn yourself by applying foot
pressure to the direction you want to travel while twisting
your upper body. If the breeze is above 5 miles per hour
(mph), you will move easily. Another method is bringing
a one-ended paddle. I keep it in my gear basket for access
while I am standing. This reduces the amount of up and
down movements. Using a rudder may also ensure that
you will track in the desired direction. Use it to counter the
wind or allow yourself to go in a general direction. Finally,
if you have a kayak with a pedal system, it is not difficult to
set your rudder, then reach down and crank the pedals with
your hands as needed. All of these methods will accomplish
the goal.
So far, my favorite scenario where the stand-up kayak
earned its keep was when I found myself fishing a shallow,
weedy area of a lake. Baitfish were jumping all over the place
in about 1 foot of water. There were probably bigger fish
chasing the baitfish, so I stood up and used my paddle to pole
my way closer. I felt like I was chasing Bonefish on the flats of
the Florida Keys. It did not take long before I spotted multiple
large bass chasing these baitfish across the shallow water before
pausing in deeper pockets. I found a matching bait in my box
and started sight fishing for the bigger bass. The result was an

When standing, make sure your platform area has good traction.

extremely memorable morning that landed me five bass over
18 inches in under 1 hour. In a standard kayak, I never would
have seen the fish and would have blindly cast until I got lucky.
In a regular boat, I would have been stuck on the bottom of the
lake without getting close enough to cast.
If you enjoy having a boat that can get about anywhere on
the lake, a stand-up kayak is an excellent item to add to your
fishing arsenal. A stand-up kayak requires some adjustments,
but you may not want to go back to a standard kayak once
you are comfortable. Safety is your priority, so use a kayak
that allows you to stand in it.

A one-handled paddle makes navigation while standing easier.

Having a standing aide is important in a stand-up kayak.
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