How to Optimize Your Kayak For Hunting: A Comprehensive Setup

Introduction to Kayak Hunting

Are you both an avid kayaker and a hunter? Hunting from atop your kayak can be a great way to combine these two hobbies into one. Read on to find out why more people have picked up this hobby and what you might need before you start doing it yourself.

Why Kayak Hunting is Gaining Popularity

Kayak hunting has recently become more popular due to a few things. Kayaks are cheaper than motorized boats, making them more attainable for people, and are just generally easier to operate than motorized boats. That makes getting started in hunting relatively inexpensive to get into for novice hunters or kayakers.

Advantages of Using a Kayak for Hunting

There are a number of advantages that come with using a kayak to hunt. Two of the biggest advantages are:

Navigating Shallow Waters for Better Access

Kayaks allow hunters to navigate shallow waters better than motorized boats can manage in most cases. They are also very maneuverable, allowing them to fit into difficult spots that other boats may not be able to get to.

Quiet Movement for Stealthy Approaches

Kayaks are a lot quieter than motorized boats. This will help ensure that you won’t scare away any animals as you get near them.

Choosing the Best Kayak and Gear for Hunting

When you’re out on the water looking for your next mark, you’re going to want the best gear available to you. There are a number of factors to look out for when choosing your kayak and your hunting gear.

What to Look for in a Hunting Kayak

It’s essential to have a good kayak for your kayak hunting. The main things to look out for in the best hunting kayak are:

Stability

Of course you’re going to want a stable kayak. The stability of your kayak will determine how easily you can get around in it and make tight maneuvers without tipping over. Of course, if you’re looking to take a shot at something you’re going to want your kayak to stay still.

Portability

You’re also going to want your kayak to be portable so you can take it wherever you want to go. If your kayak is too bulky to easily transport, then it’ll be harder to get it to your ideal hunting location.

Storage

You also need to get a kayak that has lots of storage for your hunting gear. You’re going to need the extra room to fit your gear, and enough spare room to sit comfortably. If you want to bring a cooler, or spare food then you should take that account as well.

Essential Gear and Accessories for Kayak Hunting

Now that we’ve got an idea of what goes into an ideal kayak, we should talk about some hunting gear you’ll need. Some of the most important gear you’ll need are:

Safety Gear (Life Jackets, GPS, Communication Devices)

Safety gear like life jackets, a GPS, and communication devices is essential for any vessel. A life jacket will keep you safe if you end up in the water, while a GPS can help you keep track of where you are at all times to ensure you don’t get lost. You should always have your phone on you when out on the water, but it might lose reception in some places, so keep a radio on you too so you can reach out to authorities if you need help.

Best Hunting Paddles and Pedal Systems

When it comes to your paddle, you’re going to want a long paddle, since kayaks suited for hunting tend to be wider, so a long paddle will make it easier to maneuver it. As far as a pedal system goes, you’re going to want something that lets you move quickly and effectively without tiring you out.

Setting Up Your Kayak for Different Types of Hunting

There are a few different things to keep in mind depending on what kind of hunting you’re doing from your kayak. Specific kinds of hunting may require you to have a certain setup on board. You’re going to at least want to how to prepare for the following types of hunting:

Duck and Waterfowl Hunting Setup

The most common things you’ll probably be hunting from a kayak are ducks and waterfowl. To prepare for such a hunt you’re going to want to camouflage into your surroundings, likely with a camo cloth, or a paint job, to properly sneak around. A gun rack is also important so you can keep your firearm secure as you move.

Bowfishing from a Kayak

If you plan bowfishing from your kayak then you’re going to want to, of course, keep a supply of arrows on hand. A net would also be helpful for grabbing your fish after you shoot them. It would also help to keep a cooler with some ice on standby to keep your fish fresh.

Customizing Your Kayak for Maximum Efficiency

There are a few customizations you can make to your kayak to make it even more efficient for hunting. Some of the best things to do are:

Adding Camouflage and Blind Covers

As mentioned above, adding camouflage to your kayak, in the form of a cloth or a paint job, can help you sneak up on various animals. Blind covers are also an option, as they can be put up temporarily to give you cover and can easily be disassembled when you’re all done.

Installing Motor Mounts and Storage Solutions

A motor mount may be helpful if you plan on traveling far for your hunts. Motor mounts allow you to attach a motor to your kayak, giving you the option to zip around a body of water when you’re crossing over large areas. A longer trip means you’ll need more supplies, which means you’ll need a place to put them. You could invest in water-proof storage crates and bags to ensure that you have enough storage for your supplies that will also keep them from getting wet.

Maintenance and Care of Your Hunting Kayak

To make sure your hunting kayak lasts, you’re going to need to perform some routine maintenance. Some of the most important things to do to keep your kayak in good condition are:

Cleaning, Inspection, and Seasonal Storage Tips

You should aim to clean your hunting kayak every time you take it out, especially if you plan on taking it in salt water as that will take a bigger toll on it. Depending on where you are, you may also need to get your kayak registered, and it may be subject to inspection at any time out on the water. To avoid trouble, keep all of your identification and registration papers on hand and safe, and make sure you’re wearing a life jacket, as you legally need to have one at all times. You’re also going to want to store your kayak during the colder months in the year. The easiest way to store it is to get yourself a rack in your garage, or another indoor space.

Simple Repairs and Gear Maintenance

There will be times when your kayak sustains some level of damage just from general use. When that happens, you should be able to handle making some basic repairs on your own. Some common things you might see are cuts, if you ran aground at any point, dents, or small holes. You can usually fill in cuts and holes with epoxy, or a specialized formula if it comes down to it, and you can get dents out by using weights to push it out or applying heat to do so. When it comes to gear maintenance, you should follow many of the same tips from before. Rinse things like your paddle, and your life jacket if it got wet after use, but make sure they dry before you store them. Also be sure to store your electronics somewhere to keep them safe.