Kayak Angler “Styles”

Crouching angler, hidden fish

 By OKFC President, Fred Rambo III

Often, an angler will approach seeking enlightenment as try their hand at paddle fishing styles.  What seems so complex is really quite simple The mystic origins of styles of kayak fishing have their roots far back in history.  The following should help the seeker of knowledge understand the way of the various styles as there is no one true way;

• • Flinging monkey

This style revolves around a sitting position.  The practitioners of the art of flinging monkey style can be found in all waters throwing their lines out at every disturbance on the water, often finding success even in murky waters where site fishing is nearly impossible. Often considered a style for the less skilled, it would be best to keep opinions to oneself or something else may get flung your way.

• • Wobbling porcupine

The practitioners of Wobbling Porcupine are simple to identify.  There is generally an arsenal of rods and conjoined tackle poking out of the kayak in every direction.  Loads of boxes, gear, extra tackle that has not been used in years adorns the grossly overloaded vessel.  They travel slowly.  Wobbling porcupines can be advantageous to ally with as they generally will have vast supplies of extra tackle and gear to share, but Take caution not to get to close lest you get poked and tangled.

• • Squatting hyena

The squatting hyena style is that of a scavenger.  These artists can often be seen making hasty dashes through areas occupied by others with little or no regard for their space.  Often, they are heard long before they are seen as stealth is no prerequisite for scavenging and painfully loud chattered is the hallmark of their visits along with the associated bangs splashes as they plod along.  Their skills are more adept at identifying opportunity and the squatting hyena has no problem finding and sharing yours!

• • Chained heron

The site of the true master of chained heron is a rarity.  Often mistaken for plopping frog, the master of this art does not ride in their kayak but keeps it tethered and towed behind as they slowly wander in their search.  Their art sees the kayak as a mere vehicle to their goals and one must free oneself from it in order to obtain success.The style may be one of the slowest in all the arts but can be one of the most effective.  Rarely seen with other styles and often solitary.  Great patience is mandatory in this art.

• • Plastic mantis

The practitioners of Plastic Mantis are easy to spot from vast distances as they hover over the water, wobbling in their kayaks as they slowly move along.  Their long poles and paddles push then through the shallowest of water as they attempt to spot their quarry before striking.  Balance, good eye site, and a desire to site fish are prerequisite for this style.  It is also a useful defense for the dreaded “call of nature” attack.

• • Plopping frog

The plopping frog is difficult to identify without seeing them in action.  The only giveaways to this style without seeing it in action is the offensive odor of dead bait that constantly hovers about them or the humming of aerators.  Once the plopping frog sets to work, they can be seen sitting motionless plopping bait chunks into the water around them as they patiently wait for any bite.  The style can be very effective but is not advised for the impatient or species discriminate angler.