NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/522894
splashing waves or, at worst, capsized. I prefer the stern set-up, as it allows me to fish with the wind to my back. Keep it Calm and Fish On Introduce children to kayak fishing when the weather is calm and comfortable. When the wind picks up and the temperature drops, go ashore. A bad experience during youth can be discouraging, and there's plenty of time for them to be gung ho in the elements when they get older. Also, stay away from places with a lot of motorboat traffic: big wakes can be scary for kids and adults, not to mention the risk of problems that might arise if someone, be it a young paddler or speedboat driver, isn't paying attention. Paddle Power Select the right paddle for your young angler. It should certainly be a paddle made for kayaking, with blades at both ends, and the right length for a young paddler to handle with ease. The perfect shaft length will depend on the height of the paddler and the width of their kayak. Manufacturers and retailers will have charts to help you choose. Those Darn Snags It's hard to part with a beloved lure, but no piece of merchandise is worth capsizing. On a calm day, a child can paddle to the other side of a snag and free it. At the first sign that Sawyer is struggling, though, I tell him to keep the anchor down until I can get there to help, or I simply tell him to grab the clippers and snip the line. Holding the Rod Unless you have a fancy pedal- powered kayak, you need a place to put your fishing rod while paddling. Many kayaks come equipped with rod holders. Just make sure there's a secure place to put the rod that isn't too difficult to reach, no matter how long your arms are. Practice Makes the Paddler Don't let your children's first solo kayaking experience be all trial by water. When it comes to dropping the anchor, casting and switching between paddle and rod, let them hone their skills while the kayak is parked in the driveway. This practice will go far in curbing any anxiety that might meet them on the water. With a little forethought and preparation, kayak fishing will open opportunities for both you and your children. Not only is it a cost-effective way to get on the water, but it can also bring some independence to a child – not to mention some fish to the deck. ■ Kayaks easily carry anglers over and through aquatic vegetation, giving them easy access to open pockets in the shallows where fish often hide, such as this one on Hackberry Lake at the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge. Let your young angler hone skills while the kayak is parked in the driveway. A little practice on land will go far from curbing any anxiety they might meet on the water. 44 NEBRASKAland • JUNE 2015 PHOTO BY ERIC FOWLER