When Kayak Fishing it can sometimes be tricky to land a large fish. The limited mobility of some cockpits combined with the size and speed of some large fish can make bringing home the trophy, or a safe catch and release, a challenge. Here are a few tips to help landing that lunker:
- Use a landing net
- Use a Boga Grip (or Similar)
- Use a short gaff
1. Use a landing net
One of the easiest and safest ways (for both angler and fish) to land a large fish is the use of a landing net. Most nets will stow neatly in a rod holder for quick and easy access while fighting a large fish, and they are easy to use. Simply place the net in the water in front of the fish and guide them to swim into the net. Once in the net allow some slack and raise the fish on board.
2. Use a Boga Grip (or similar)
Boga Grip is the most popular brand of the fish lip grippers. These products are very popular among salt water kayak anglers, not only because they allow for easier landings, but many of them also have a built in scale. Boga Grips and other lip grip products are available in most tackle shops around the country.
3. Use a Short Gaff
If you intend to eat the large fish you are fighting, a very effective method of landing them is a short handled gaff. A short handle is required because a long handle could be rather awkward to work with while fighting a fish from a seated position. Once the large fish is near the kayak, simply use the gaff to bring them aboard. Beware, that some fish find a second burst of energy once gaffed, so make sure not to bring them strait into the cockpit and risk injury (Cobia are notorious for this). Obviously, if you do not intended to keep the fish, or if you are unsure of its legalities, do not use a gaff.
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