Kayak fishing is quickly becoming one of the most popular water sports around. The blend of affordability, versatility, and an improved perspective of fishing have driven the sport far beyond what anyone expected. With the 4th Annual Outer Banks Kayak Fishing Tournament on Saturday, we wanted to take a moment to tell everyone exactly what this sport is all about.
What is so great about “kayak fishing”?
For starters, kayaks are a much more affordable vessel to traverse the water on. You can get yourself into a quality kayak for less money than it would cost to purchase the trailer for a larger boat. Not only do they cost less, but they are incredibly versatile. You can use a kayak in any body of water, whether it is a river, a pond, the bay, or even the ocean. The ability to use kayaks in many bodies of water means you can use it more frequently and easier than with a larger boat. The constant question of “how can I get my boat in to fish that spot?” is no longer a problem. The variety of fishing locations means a variety of fish as well. In our Hobie Charter Fishing Tours alone, we have already had customers catch Drum, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Blue Fish, Flounder, Trout and much more! You can fish in northern lakes for Muskie, Pike, and Walleye or head to the bay for Drum, Speckled Trout and Flounder. Once on the water, the real fun begins. You get the rush of being right in the water, low to the surface similar to wading, but with the kayak, in a dry and stable platform that gives you a steady spot to reel in your catch.
What makes the Outer Banks such a great spot for kayak fishing?
Similar to the sport itself, the Outer Banks provide a broad array of fishing styles. The area boasts surf fishing just off the shores, deep sea fishing, sound-side fishing, even fishing back into tributaries like the Alligator River. With such a wide variety, there’s no better way to hit all of them than in a kayak. Pick up some smaller fish back in the rivers and streams; maybe stay near the beaches and reel in some False Albacore, Spanish Mackerel, Blues and Croaker. Or venture further out and go after some deep sea Drum or Mahi. The wild life here is incredible, and the sights you’ll have while out on the water are unmatched. From sunrises in the ocean, to sunsets on the sound, you simply can’t beat the views.
In addition to the eye catching show kites, visible from across the sound in Manteo, the Rogallo Kite Festival included free stunt kite lessons, and a Revolution Kite Competition. I spent much of my time tending to the larger kites and unfortunately didn’t get to take a lesson, but I did get to talk to many stunt kite flyers, from visitors trying it out for the first time to experienced flyers who travel the country showing of their skills. Watching the performances from afar, the twirls, spins, dives, and other tricks executed but the Revolutions and other stunt kites were every bit as impressive and transfixing as Squiggs’ tentacles in their own way. I look forward to trying it out for myself at the next festival in July!
