n 2008, my son, Sawyer, was 5
years old and the kayak fishing
craze was in its infancy in western
Nebraska. When I mentioned to
friends and family that I was going
to buy a kayak to take my son fishing, it
was met with some skepticism. Back
then, the word "kayak" most commonly
invoked a mental image of daredevils
paddling through whitewater in a Rocky
Mountain stream.
Those fears subsided and kayaks have
become common on Nebraska waters
and elsewhere, as many have been
enticed by the benefits of simplicity
and economy. The sit-on-top kayak
was a great investment for my family,
and we now have two of the vessels.
Now 12, my son has spent many hours
both riding with me and paddling solo,
and I'm certain he's caught more fish
from atop the plastic than he has while
walking the shoreline. My younger
daughter has also spent considerable
time aboard with me.
Kayak fishing with children requires
many considerations, among the first of
which is kayak selection. I didn't go out
and buy the first kayak I found. During
research, I discovered the Malibu
Pro Explorer. Its major selling point
was the Gator Hatch, a front storage
compartment access cover that doubles
as a rear-facing seat for children. The
hatch has allowed me to have face-to-
face conversations with my younger
passenger while I paddle to the good
fishing spots, and conveniently bait
many a hook and untangle a lot of line
while we're there – just as dads are
supposed to do.
When my son outgrew the hatch
seat, it was time to get him his own
kayak. What's the right age to let a
Why should adults have all the fun
when it comes to kayak fishing?
Story and photos by Justin Haag
An anchor can be an invaluable tool for kayak anglers of all ages. The author's
homemade system features a hand reel to quickly raise and lower a folding two-pound
anchor. A trolley system – a loop of rope clipped to the front and rear of the hull with
carabiners and a ring tied between – allows the anchor to be positioned on either end
of the kayak. "Tie" it to the stern to have the wind at your back and the bow to have the
wind in your face, but never from the side.
Kayaks and Kids
42 NEBRASKAland • JUNE 2015
PHOTO
BY
JUSTIN
HAAG
