All great advice. Also I think another good idea is to always have some water and food while kayak fishing. Dehydration is a serious problem while floating on the water for hours.
I always have a paddle AND a backup paddle. I turtled fishing too soon after a hurricane on a local creek several years ago and my paddle floated away while I was holding the yak from getting away. I had a single blade collapsible oar in the hatch as a back up. It was not great but it was minimally functional. I found my actual paddle floating in an eddy way downstream, and man was I grateful for that. Since then I carry a backup kayak paddle.
That bit about knowing your capability is a big one. I got stuck out on the Mississippi last year trying to hunt this island that was a 1.75 miles downstream. Well, the river looked fine where I put in, but it narrowed significantly at the island! I couldn't paddle back upstream for ANYTHING. I self-rescued, but it was an experience I'll never forget... out on the river at night and can't get back to the car...
I use the little backwater assault paddle for one handed paddling when I am making small adjustments or trying to get unhung...again...small adjustments in position. But, they are very handy...as.is the hook on the paddle.
Knowing your capabilities and the limitations of your equipment is important. I recently came across a guy who flipped his kayak in 58 degree water. He was wearing shorts and flip-flops. Lucky for him other anglers were on location to rescue.
New to kayak fishing and I mean so new, I'm waiting for season here in CT to start to break my kayak cherry. I found your channel on my first search and I'm glad I did. Great info and is helping me be less anxious and more excited.
Great video Chad! Maybe one more "do not do in a fishing kayak." Don't go kayak fishing without telling somebody what body of water you are on and what time you expect to be off. "Just sayin"
This is kayak gospel right here. Especially #5 if you are new. The money I have spent finding a yak that works for me is painful, especially if its offshore fishing like me that you want to do.
People will realize that you are rehashing older content, I hope that they also realize that you are reiterating this great advice as a PSA because it really matters and simply put, could save your life. 👍
Thanks David. In some cases I am updating content that I’ve done before. But, because the algorithm for fishing sucks, I feel it’s important to cover topics that I did when I have 50,000 subs now that we have doubled that. 👊🏻
I definitely would not want to be up a popular proverbial metaphor without a proper means of proportion said in my best Howard Cosell voice.....LOL great tips Thanks.
In the state of Ohio you MUST have (2) forms of propulsion. Before I added a 2nd trolling motor to my Tiny Boat I "had" to have a paddle. I "believe" it's the same for a kayak? Only seems like common sense to have a paddle? Fishing in shallow water you think you would want the Stealthiness? I would NEVER consider NOT wearing my PFD. Great video
I’ve had it for 6 years now, going on 7. Thing is a workhorse. Caught a ton of fish, travelled literally hundreds of miles. It has wear. But the bungees still have elasticity, and there’s no sign of the boat stopping. 5/5.
My Backwater Assault is one of the best tools on my yak. It's for quick maneuverability adjustments and close cover nothing more. And for that, it's perfect.
If it works for you that’s great. There isn’t really anything you can do with it except for hook into bushes and pull through tunnels in trees that you can’t do with a regular paddle. My biggest issue with it is that people get it and then think they don’t need an actual paddle. Glad you like it and found a use for it. And if a beaver attacks, you are all set. 😜
I have been trying to find a video that shows the way to paddle using a small paddle and just one hand...I can't. I need to make a video on how to do this. I literally can maneuver my yak with one hand and a small paddle....won't work well in current...but in still water or in light wind...works well. I have been doing this for over 30yrs when having to paddle and fish. Saw my Papaw use this technique before I learned it. It is great for positioning your yak when trying to get unhung or just small adjustments for getting that perfect position for casting. I used to use it in a 14ft Jon boat back in the day.
Thank you for calling this out. I have no clue why kayak RUclipsrs expect people to break out the full 240cm paddle just to make small adjustments while you’re fishing.
Hey, a few years back a photographer was KILLED by a beaver. Those dudes can be mean. How'd you like that to be the way you go out? 🤣 Anyway, great video as always Chad.
@ChadHooverFishing no you did mention it. I just didn't see your videos at that time 😕 but it is what it is. I've already got it sold to my ex son n law. Then really considering the Nucanoe unlimited or the F12
Had a family beavers encircle me once, they started doing tail slaps which at first I thought was some kid throwing rocks. Once I figured out that they were telling me to leave I left.
Funny you mentioned Beaver attack, I have a resident beaver in the creek behind my house and he has bumped my kayak several times. His favorite is to slap its tail and scare me to death. Love your videos.
It’s crazy how delusional people can be when it comes to wearing your PFD. I had a conversation with my mother-in-law’s boyfriend that’s 57 years old and we were talking about solo kayak fishing because I just got into it and have been having a blast upgrading and getting all the equipment I need. He doesn’t kayak or even go fishing or swimming and the PFD conversation came up and his exact words were “People shouldn’t go out without a life jacket on board……….. Unless you’re an expert swimmer like me.”. Keep in mind I’ve been around him all the time for 6 years and have literally never seen him touch water. I explained to him that it doesn’t matter if you’re the best swimmer in the world if you get hit by a boat or get stuck very far out. In those situations you’re going to need your PFD on your person and also other emergency gear incase the worst of the worst happens. He kind of shrugged me off and didn’t listen so I’m thankful he’s not the one going kayaking lol but it made me realize a lot of people really don’t know what safety precautions to take and they don’t understand how bad it can really get out there. That’s why channels like this are so important because a lot of people really need to hear this to understand what they’re getting themselves into.
Awesome tips. I guess you think you know a thing or 2 about a thing or 2 about kayak fishing. LOL... You actually are one of the most knowledgeable resources for this. Thanks for all your great videos.
As far as the PFD being worn, as an EMT, his find you full of crabs or tangled up as not all that far from the truth. He may have dramatized it a little for viewing pleasure, but I couldn’t agree more.
Chad, I known it’s off topic from this video, but can you do a video about using the sidekick wheels on the p127? As in the proper way they are supposed to be used while entering and exiting the water.
As someone who has tried to skate thru with cheap paddle options trust me and Chad, spend the money on a good paddle, length and weight. It’s night and day difference
Went last week and my battery failed even though my gauge said I had 50% left. I always keep my paddle with me, 2 hour non stop paddle back to the ramp but I made it.
I may be asking a question you already answered here (my wife tells me I can't find the peanut butter when it is right in front of me in the pantry), but what PFD do you recommend (or are you wearing)? I just added the YakAttack Double Rod Holder to my Christmas wish list....but I'm paddling in an old school life jacket...
Chad, great advise on weight. I have 2 kayaks and enjoy letting vigin kayakers try them out. Different brands but same size. Watching a 200lb kid use the lighter weight boat from shore is shocking. A empty 275lb capacity kayak and 200lb person is not safe even on a calm day.
Probably not the best place to ask by a soon to own my first kayak but here goes. Most of my bass fishing has been done with a 12 ft. jon boat. Nearly all on a local lake almost joining my residence. My primary issue is the need to constantly adjust for boat drift caused by the slightest amount of breeze. My question is what should I look for in a kayak that will (hopefully) reduce this problem using my jon boat. I spend as much time repositioning the boat as I do actually fishing. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.
I hear people call this “tracking” all the time, but it’s actually not. Tracking is only when the kayak is underway. The best way to handle this issue on a kayak (and even on your Jon boat) is to have something that creates drag on one end. For me, most of the time it’s dropping down a few inches of my Power Pole, or it could be slightly lowering the anchor into the water. In the old days, I would just hang one foot in the water. It can also be as simple and filling a sock with sand or rocks and hanging it off the back or front of the kayak to keep it from spinning.
@@ChadHooverFishing Thanks for the tips. If these issues can't be resolved I can see a kayak search will be underway soon. I have subscribed and look forward to learning more about this sport. Again, thanks for your help.
Wife started to laugh. And said to say thank you for the idea. To let someone try her kayak so they can load it and her gear on the truck.. LOL she wishes she would have thought of it...
Hey, Backwater Paddle Co, How does it feel to have Chad Hoover call your product "relatively close to useless" ? LOL Might wanna rebrand as a Beaver Beater.
Have you talked to Gene Flukemaster about not overloading his kayak. The last time I saw one of his videos, it looked like he did with all his electronics and gear.
@@ChadHooverFishing I weight about 260 and I have about 40 pounds of fishing gear so, kayak and all 420 pounds total of 475 pounds to work with. I am about at my limit.
@@ChadHooverFishing When I was a kid me and my cousin was out hunting and just didn't have any luck. On the way back crossing a creek saw a couple of large beavers. The old farmer that owned the land told us to kill them if we see them cause they were blocking up the creeks he needed for his fields. We killed these two beavers and growing up poor in the south you don't waste meat. Cleaned them up good and threw em on the grill with some BBQ sauce. Wasn't even a scrap of meat left.
Please strap in your paddle also. I have lost 3 paddles from forgetting to strap it down, next thing I know I have gone 2 miles without my paddle. Never found any of them….
If you’re fishing a river with somebody with far more experience and they tell you to portage, do not follow them/ me through the rapid. I know this from experience and I’m tired of cleaning up yard sales. Nobody wants to hear you complain about how the river just ate 600$ worth of your gear.
All great advice. Also I think another good idea is to always have some water and food while kayak fishing. Dehydration is a serious problem while floating on the water for hours.
I was really thinking about this. I think that is very important. Rehydration and some thing to eat
This right here!! It's crazy to me when you see someone pushing off and there's not a single bottle of water and no snacks. Crazy.
.
I always have a paddle AND a backup paddle. I turtled fishing too soon after a hurricane on a local creek several years ago and my paddle floated away while I was holding the yak from getting away. I had a single blade collapsible oar in the hatch as a back up. It was not great but it was minimally functional. I found my actual paddle floating in an eddy way downstream, and man was I grateful for that. Since then I carry a backup kayak paddle.
That’s great!! I have a backup paddle inside the kayak when practical
That bit about knowing your capability is a big one.
I got stuck out on the Mississippi last year trying to hunt this island that was a 1.75 miles downstream. Well, the river looked fine where I put in, but it narrowed significantly at the island! I couldn't paddle back upstream for ANYTHING.
I self-rescued, but it was an experience I'll never forget... out on the river at night and can't get back to the car...
I use the little backwater assault paddle for one handed paddling when I am making small adjustments or trying to get unhung...again...small adjustments in position. But, they are very handy...as.is the hook on the paddle.
😜
Knowing your capabilities and the limitations of your equipment is important. I recently came across a guy who flipped his kayak in 58 degree water. He was wearing shorts and flip-flops. Lucky for him other anglers were on location to rescue.
New to kayak fishing and I mean so new, I'm waiting for season here in CT to start to break my kayak cherry. I found your channel on my first search and I'm glad I did. Great info and is helping me be less anxious and more excited.
Thanks, glad I could help
Great video Chad! Maybe one more "do not do in a fishing kayak." Don't go kayak fishing without telling somebody what body of water you are on and what time you expect to be off. "Just sayin"
This is kayak gospel right here. Especially #5 if you are new. The money I have spent finding a yak that works for me is painful, especially if its offshore fishing like me that you want to do.
People will realize that you are rehashing older content, I hope that they also realize that you are reiterating this great advice as a PSA because it really matters and simply put, could save your life. 👍
Thanks David. In some cases I am updating content that I’ve done before. But, because the algorithm for fishing sucks, I feel it’s important to cover topics that I did when I have 50,000 subs now that we have doubled that. 👊🏻
that's a good idea about kayak demo> I would gladly let someone try mine.
I definitely would not want to be up a popular proverbial metaphor without a proper means of proportion said in my best Howard Cosell voice.....LOL great tips Thanks.
ha!! Amen
Thanks dude, you gave a lot of good Tips
Thanks, glad you like it
In the state of Ohio you MUST have (2) forms of propulsion. Before I added a 2nd trolling motor to my Tiny Boat I "had" to have a paddle. I "believe" it's the same for a kayak?
Only seems like common sense to have a paddle? Fishing in shallow water you think you would want the Stealthiness? I would NEVER consider NOT wearing my PFD.
Great video
I’m with you brother
I’ve had it for 6 years now, going on 7. Thing is a workhorse. Caught a ton of fish, travelled literally hundreds of miles. It has wear. But the bungees still have elasticity, and there’s no sign of the boat stopping. 5/5.
Chad, always enjoy watching your content. I see all of these things constantly. Great points!! 💯 🛶 🎣
I appreciate that! Trying to help as many avoid them as possible
Mr.chad thanks for all the info on kayaking. I'm in the market for one an all your information is so helpful. Thank you again
My Backwater Assault is one of the best tools on my yak. It's for quick maneuverability adjustments and close cover nothing more. And for that, it's perfect.
If it works for you that’s great. There isn’t really anything you can do with it except for hook into bushes and pull through tunnels in trees that you can’t do with a regular paddle. My biggest issue with it is that people get it and then think they don’t need an actual paddle. Glad you like it and found a use for it. And if a beaver attacks, you are all set. 😜
I have been trying to find a video that shows the way to paddle using a small paddle and just one hand...I can't. I need to make a video on how to do this. I literally can maneuver my yak with one hand and a small paddle....won't work well in current...but in still water or in light wind...works well. I have been doing this for over 30yrs when having to paddle and fish. Saw my Papaw use this technique before I learned it. It is great for positioning your yak when trying to get unhung or just small adjustments for getting that perfect position for casting. I used to use it in a 14ft Jon boat back in the day.
Thank you for calling this out. I have no clue why kayak RUclipsrs expect people to break out the full 240cm paddle just to make small adjustments while you’re fishing.
Hey, a few years back a photographer was KILLED by a beaver. Those dudes can be mean. How'd you like that to be the way you go out? 🤣 Anyway, great video as always Chad.
Number one thing you forgot to mention to watch this video before. I bought without trying 😢 wish me luck when my Ascend 133x comes in.
Thanks. I’ve mentioned that in a lot of other videos, but you are right, It should have been in this one too.
@ChadHooverFishing no you did mention it. I just didn't see your videos at that time 😕 but it is what it is. I've already got it sold to my ex son n law. Then really considering the Nucanoe unlimited or the F12
Great video, never fought off a beaver before, but it I have fought off snapping turtles, it’s definitely better to have a long paddle for that😂
For a swan!!
Fallowed me for a bit then jumped on the front of kayak !!
Had a family beavers encircle me once, they started doing tail slaps which at first I thought was some kid throwing rocks. Once I figured out that they were telling me to leave I left.
Chad how many dragonflies have you had try to mate with your forehead???😂 good things to mention.
Only four, but it was all at once
Going kayak fishing to a lake that doesn't have any fish while trying to add fish on the Knucklhed leader board ugh
Funny you mentioned Beaver attack, I have a resident beaver in the creek behind my house and he has bumped my kayak several times. His favorite is to slap its tail and scare me to death. Love your videos.
Funny you say that, I was almost attacked by a beaver fishing in my kayak yesterday
How do you “almost” get attacked?
0:54 hahaha 😂😂😂 Omgoodness I told my kids that same thing the other day lol
👊🏻
you are hilarious man! i had so many good laughs in this video, not to mention I learned a lot. thank you.
Glad you enjoyed!
I am a 74 year old new kayak fisherman. Give me your opinion on the Yukon Angler 116 kayak.
I enjoy your channel. Thanks
Roy Zengerle
It’s crazy how delusional people can be when it comes to wearing your PFD. I had a conversation with my mother-in-law’s boyfriend that’s 57 years old and we were talking about solo kayak fishing because I just got into it and have been having a blast upgrading and getting all the equipment I need. He doesn’t kayak or even go fishing or swimming and the PFD conversation came up and his exact words were “People shouldn’t go out without a life jacket on board……….. Unless you’re an expert swimmer like me.”. Keep in mind I’ve been around him all the time for 6 years and have literally never seen him touch water. I explained to him that it doesn’t matter if you’re the best swimmer in the world if you get hit by a boat or get stuck very far out. In those situations you’re going to need your PFD on your person and also other emergency gear incase the worst of the worst happens. He kind of shrugged me off and didn’t listen so I’m thankful he’s not the one going kayaking lol but it made me realize a lot of people really don’t know what safety precautions to take and they don’t understand how bad it can really get out there. That’s why channels like this are so important because a lot of people really need to hear this to understand what they’re getting themselves into.
Love your sense of humor!
Check for local kayak club demo days. They have a lot of different kayaks to try out
great video again!
Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching
All excelent tips and another video from a legend!
Great tips Chad. Thanks for the great content.
Awesome tips. I guess you think you know a thing or 2 about a thing or 2 about kayak fishing. LOL... You actually are one of the most knowledgeable resources for this. Thanks for all your great videos.
you had me at dragon fly 😂😂😂😂
Great info
I bought before I tried. The hobie outback is so uncomfortable for me. Big expensive mistake
Thanks for sharing. Hopefully this will help someone else. Why did you find it uncomfortable?
As far as the PFD being worn, as an EMT, his find you full of crabs or tangled up as not all that far from the truth. He may have dramatized it a little for viewing pleasure, but I couldn’t agree more.
I didn’t dramatize it. I was Search and Rescue in the Navy for the first half of my career and was speaking from experience
Chad, I known it’s off topic from this video, but can you do a video about using the sidekick wheels on the p127? As in the proper way they are supposed to be used while entering and exiting the water.
A dragonfly mating with your head. 😂. Stop the madness😮. Entertaining
As someone who has tried to skate thru with cheap paddle options trust me and Chad, spend the money on a good paddle, length and weight. It’s night and day difference
These are all great tips! The only other one I’d say is you should get comfortable and used to standing up before you try it fully geared out.
Great video but now I have that image of you in a two piece in my head. That's not right. Lol
You are welcome! 😂😂😂
Went last week and my battery failed even though my gauge said I had 50% left. I always keep my paddle with me, 2 hour non stop paddle back to the ramp but I made it.
Thanks for your insight
I may be asking a question you already answered here (my wife tells me I can't find the peanut butter when it is right in front of me in the pantry), but what PFD do you recommend (or are you wearing)? I just added the YakAttack Double Rod Holder to my Christmas wish list....but I'm paddling in an old school life jacket...
Chad, great advise on weight. I have 2 kayaks and enjoy letting vigin kayakers try them out. Different brands but same size. Watching a 200lb kid use the lighter weight boat from shore is shocking. A empty 275lb capacity kayak and 200lb person is not safe even on a calm day.
Probably not the best place to ask by a soon to own my first kayak but here goes. Most of my bass fishing has been done with a 12 ft. jon boat. Nearly all on a local lake almost joining my residence. My primary issue is the need to constantly adjust for boat drift caused by the slightest amount of breeze. My question is what should I look for in a kayak that will (hopefully) reduce this problem using my jon boat. I spend as much time repositioning the boat as I do actually fishing. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.
I hear people call this “tracking” all the time, but it’s actually not. Tracking is only when the kayak is underway. The best way to handle this issue on a kayak (and even on your Jon boat) is to have something that creates drag on one end.
For me, most of the time it’s dropping down a few inches of my Power Pole, or it could be slightly lowering the anchor into the water.
In the old days, I would just hang one foot in the water.
It can also be as simple and filling a sock with sand or rocks and hanging it off the back or front of the kayak to keep it from spinning.
@@ChadHooverFishing Thanks for the tips. If these issues can't be resolved I can see a kayak search will be underway soon. I have subscribed and look forward to learning more about this sport. Again, thanks for your help.
Awesome. Great points!!!!
Wife started to laugh. And said to say thank you for the idea. To let someone try her kayak so they can load it and her gear on the truck..
LOL she wishes she would have thought of it...
Know how to dress appropriately for the weather and water conditions. This includes knowing when it's necessary to wear a drysuit. Cold water kills.
That’s a great point
In 1979 President Carter fought off a rabbit while fishing in a small boat --- when on the water expect the unexpected --- that's part of the fun!!
For sure 😂😂😂
I will be on the lookout for rabid rabbits
Maybe, don't underestimate distance, which is very easy to do on the water. I've got a couple war stories on that one for sure.
Awesome content brother
Excellent video! 👍🏻
Next video needs to be a Chad Hoover How-to for Beaver Defense Video.
Rumor has it there have been 4 deaths due to beaver attacks on anglers climbing over their dams. Bled out.
It’s not a rumor, but you forgot to mention that they fought valiantly and there are over 100 dead beavers.
@@ChadHooverFishing Chad, you crack me up! Love what you have done for this amazing community!!
Great vid
Good info brother, I agree always see what’s out there . I’m going to upgrade soon myself. Set the hook brother…Dink Drop
Dink drop?
@@pork_chop13 watch some of Chads early videos…….self explanatory…plus more cool info
Hey, Backwater Paddle Co, How does it feel to have Chad Hoover call your product "relatively close to useless" ? LOL
Might wanna rebrand as a Beaver Beater.
😂great great video
Have you talked to Gene Flukemaster about not overloading his kayak. The last time I saw one of his videos, it looked like he did with all his electronics and gear.
I was fishing with him yesterday… so, yeah
@@ChadHooverFishing I weight about 260 and I have about 40 pounds of fishing gear so, kayak and all 420 pounds total of 475 pounds to work with. I am about at my limit.
It went DC animation dark quick.
BBQ Beaver is actually pretty good.
I’ve heard the same thing. 😜
@@ChadHooverFishing When I was a kid me and my cousin was out hunting and just didn't have any luck. On the way back crossing a creek saw a couple of large beavers. The old farmer that owned the land told us to kill them if we see them cause they were blocking up the creeks he needed for his fields. We killed these two beavers and growing up poor in the south you don't waste meat. Cleaned them up good and threw em on the grill with some BBQ sauce. Wasn't even a scrap of meat left.
Lmfaoooo tungsten!!!
Don’t over load your yak. Look at your scuppers. How full are they? Over half, be careful, it’s not good. And do not drink beer while fishing.
Please strap in your paddle also. I have lost 3 paddles from forgetting to strap it down, next thing I know I have gone 2 miles without my paddle. Never found any of them….
I don’t use leashes on my paddle but, I strap it in with the bungee tie downs on the side of the kayak or on the DoubleHeader from YakAttack
@@ChadHooverFishing yes I do the same. I didn’t think of the term bungee at the time…. Chad you have taught me so much it’s pretty crazy. Thanks
I was attacked by a beaver once.....I quickly submitted
And don’t wear a wader in your kayak!! I’ve seen it before.
That’s actually a myth. I’ve done videos disproving it a couple times
I wanna see a truck rig
I cant try before i buy. Most people can't.
Actually, most people can if you use social
Media and fishing groups it’s a lot easier than you think.
Picture of the two piece or it didnt happen.
You should not go fishing in alligator infested areas in a kayak. Because you could become dinner.😂🤣😂
Demo days are your friend!
And number 6. Do not keep fish if you are at your weight limit. That 30 lb fish needs to be set free……😢
#6 stand up in a sit in kayak
Make sure you either really catch the fish or get it on video. Or no one is going to believe your *fish stories*
Ha!! Truth
do you people actually take a kayak out without a paddle?😂
Yeap. It’s happens
Don't take all day at the boat ramp loading or unloading your boat, Boat Etiquette Please!
That’s a fishing tip, not just for kayak fishing. I’ve done a video on it in the past but it’s time to update it. Thanks for the comment
@@ChadHooverFishing Yes sir👍
#1... DO NOT GET OUT AND BANK FISH. ALL FISH NEED TO BE LANDED FROM THE BOAT 💁🏿♂️
Why are you yelling?
@@ChadHooverFishing I'm just the messenger.
If you’re fishing a river with somebody with far more experience and they tell you to portage, do not follow them/ me through the rapid. I know this from experience and I’m tired of cleaning up yard sales. Nobody wants to hear you complain about how the river just ate 600$ worth of your gear.
#truth
The river is a ruthless teacher
It’s good to be humbled sometimes.