Fishing is an excellent pastime for those who love the great outdoors. Whether you're launching a pedal fishing kayak or fishing from shore, it's a way to get out on the water and enjoy nature while also catching some fish for dinner. However, kayak fishing isn't always as easy as just throwing a line into the water and waiting for a bite. Different types of structures in the water can make fishing more difficult or require different techniques. In this blog post, we'll take a look at how to fish in different types of structure and provide some tips and tricks for success.
Structure in the water refers to anything that alters the bottom contour or depth of the water. This could include rocks, weed beds, drop-offs, points, submerged trees or logs, and more. These structures are important for fish because they provide shelter, food, and a place to hide from predators. As a result, these structures are also great places for anglers to catch fish. However, to be successful, you need to know how to fish in different types of structure.
Fishing in Weed Beds
Weed beds are a common structure in the water, and they can be great places to catch fish. The advantage of using a pedal drive kayak in these areas is that you can maintain position quietly while working your lures through the vegetation. However, fishing in weed beds requires some skill and patience.
First, you'll need to find the right spot in the weed bed. Look for areas where the weeds are thicker or where there are breaks in the weeds. These are likely places where fish will be hiding. A sit-on-top fishing kayak gives you the elevated vantage point needed to spot these productive areas.
Once you've found the right spot, you'll need to use the right lure or bait. Spinnerbaits or weedless jigs are good options because they can move through the weeds without getting snagged. If you're using live bait, consider using a slip bobber to keep the bait above the weeds. This will prevent it from getting tangled in the weeds and make it easier for the fish to find.
Fishing in Drop-Offs
Drop-offs are areas where the depth of the water drops off quickly. These can be great places to catch fish because they provide a transition zone between shallow and deep water. The hands-free fishing capability of a pedal kayak is particularly valuable here, allowing you to maintain precise positioning over these depth changes while working your lures.
One option is to use a crankbait or jig that you can bounce along the bottom. This will help you find the drop-off and keep your lure at the right depth. Another option is to use a Carolina rig, which consists of a weight, a swivel, and a leader with a hook and bait. The weight will keep the bait near the bottom, and the leader will allow the bait to move naturally in the water.
Fishing in Submerged Trees or Logs
Submerged trees or logs are another common structure in the water, and they can be great places to catch fish. The hands-free pedaling system of a modern fishing kayak allows you to navigate carefully around these obstacles while keeping both hands free to work your tackle.
When fishing around submerged timber, try using a jig or soft plastic bait that you can work slowly through the branches. Texas-rigged soft plastics are excellent choices because they're weedless and can slip through cover without getting hung up. Cast beyond the structure and work your bait back through it, paying attention to any subtle bumps or changes in resistance that might indicate a fish.
Fishing Rocky Areas and Points
Rocky areas and underwater points create excellent ambush spots for predatory fish. Whether you're using a fin drive kayak or propeller drive kayak, these areas require careful maneuvering to avoid damaging your drive system on submerged rocks.
Crankbaits work well for covering water quickly around rocky structure, while jigs bounced along the bottom can trigger strikes from bass holding tight to the rocks. The key is to vary your retrieve speed and pay attention to your sonar or fish finder to understand the depth changes and locate fish.
Tips for Structure Fishing Success
Regardless of the structure you're fishing, there are some universal tips that will help improve your success:
- Use quality sonar or a fish finder to locate structure and mark productive spots
- Approach structure quietly – the lightweight fishing kayak design helps you slip into position without spooking fish
- Vary your presentation until you find what the fish want
- Pay attention to wind and current direction when positioning your kayak
- Be patient and thorough when working each piece of structure
Remember that portable fishing kayaks give you access to structure that shore anglers can't reach, making them incredibly valuable tools for serious anglers. With practice and the right techniques, you'll soon be catching more fish by understanding how to work different types of underwater structure effectively.
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Reel Yaks modular pedal fishing kayaks break into 2–3 compact sections that fit in your car boot, store in your apartment, and assemble in 5 minutes — no roof rack, no garage, no heavy lifting. Browse all Reel Yaks modular fishing kayaks →