Launch Preliminaries
Neil Taylor, special to Coastal Angler Magazine-Tampa Bay

Efficiency starts long before the angler is ever even near the launch.   Efficiency continues at "setup" at the launch and pays off all day long.    Efficiency is continued during "the hunt" for the fish.   Read Neil Taylor's tips to put "everything in its place" eliminate wasted time and catch more fish every time you get to get out there!

By Neil Taylor, "Strike Three Kayak Fishing"

There are things that can be forgotten on a typical fishing trip that can easily ruin the day.   Over the years, I have come up with tips and tricks to eliminate mistakes and maximize efficiency.  These are things that will benefit all anglers.

"Do all the prep work at home."   This includes restocking lures trays, replacing old leader line, oiling up reels, new batteries in the camera and flashlight and other supplies you need to have that need attention since the previous trip.  Give your reel handles a crank to make sure they are functioning properly.  By all means, put your paddle in your car- you're not going anywhere without it!

"The Dry Bag."  The most crucial item for every angler is the dry bag.  It seems simple but the "fold and clip" of the dry bag is something that should be "routine" as the unsealed dry bag is trouble.   Your camera, wallet and cell phone should always be safely secured in the dry bag.

"The Crate."   A second key item for the kayak angler to consider is the "crate.”  A crate storage system can be the catchall organizer for gear storage.   It simplifies setup and breakdown.  Rather than grabbing a dozen or more items individually, the crate transfers them all.   Items to consider for your crate:  First aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, flare gun, tackle, pliers, de-hooking tool, leader line, and a fillet knife.  As items are used or worn out, replace them immediately so you're never caught shorthanded out there.

"Setup."   At the beginning of the day, pull out your pliers, scissors and put them in the location where you can easily find them.  The cockpit area where you sit can be utilized best if you pull out a few of those items that you know you're going to use during the trip.   A shirt with pockets is also great for carrying other items.

Load in the required safety equipment:  The vest and whistle can be combined and if the vest is on the boat the "signaling device" is also there, making your kayak "legal."   Your fishing license should be in your dry bag or a pocket in your PFD vest.  Test out your flashlights before you launch and check to make sure you have spare batteries available.   Attach your stakeout pole or anchor: Have your anchor rope untangled and ready to deploy.   This could be the difference between catching a single fish or many shots at the whole school of fish.  

"Locking the car."  It's easy to get excited and take off for the prized fishing grounds but there is nothing worse than getting out there and wondering the whole time if you locked up the car.  Do a "walk around" and make sure you didn't leave a door open and that it is all locked up.

"Breakdown."  Many people I know have lost a lot of valuable equipment because they leaned it against their cars, put it on top of cars, placed rods up against trees during end of trip.  This can be avoided.  There are two locations for your belongings:  "On the kayak" or "inside the vehicle!"   Driving off with $1000 in rods and reels leaning against a tree or a rail will definitely ruin your day.      

Neil Taylor
www.strikethreekayakfishing.com

 "Something violent is about to happen."
Ph: 727-692-6345
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