Here’s the link to the full 2 hour video sufschool.com/programs/flukemasterkayak?category_id=145399

For me, the biggest danger while in my kayak is the people in their bass boats running down the lake at 70mph and not paying attention.

I fell in the guntersville a few weeks ago and all I can day is PFDs save lives. My kayak has a trolling motor and it got away from me but thank the Lord I was able to compose myself enough to swim my way to it and stop the motor. After the swim I didn't have the strength to climb back in so I had to swim to the bank and I was about a half mile offshore. Somehow, as crowded as Lake Guntersville can be, no one was around and I'm not sure I couldn't have made it without the PFD. At the very least it would have been a big struggle. Don't forget your life jackets people!

There are many misconceptions about kayak fishing. One falsehood is that a kayak will not capsize or sink. Wrong. Kayaks always capsize, and one of the most important things you need to practice when kayak fishing is capsizing exercises. You need to know how to get back into your kayak after it capsizes. Also, dummy cord everything, which means tie everything down. Capsizing is inevitable, and you better be prepared. The other thing is river conditions; you need to know your river and whether it is flooding or not. Flood waters in rivers are notorious for pulling kayakers under built-up debris, with the current forcing the kayak under it and then the person stuck there and drowning. Do not get yourself in this situation. If you see a low-lying limb on top of the water and the current is strong, stay clear of that limb, or you'll be pulled underneath it. The last thing is to use common sense. A lot of people just do stupid things that get them into unsafe situations on the water. Can't stress the last point enough.

Drysuits. I started kayak fishing in saltwater and it's ingrained into every salt kayak fisherman to wear a drysuit when the water temps start to drop. Since I've moved away from the ocean and transitioned to freshwater, I almost never see anyone else in a drysuit when they should be wearing one. Cold water will sap your strength, your dexterity and your wits a lot quicker than you may think.

I did the opposite order. I started fishing in an inflatable raft (a pretty bad one), then a borrowed kayak, and finally much later went to a bass boat. I couldn't believe how much easier it was to just fish while not fighting all the issues I faced before the bass boat.

I like life jackets with pockets, the extra storage on your chest for quick access is a game changer.

I learned how to paddle kayak by launching from a beach in the gulf, taking out baits for shark fishing from the beach. Greatest thing I could’ve done for myself and learning how to maintain balance in rough water. Simultaneously, it was also the worst experience I’ve ever had while fishing from any sort of boat/PWC. First practice launch went smooth, got out there paddling around in the waves. Had a good time. Second run was the first trial run with the baits, weights and all on board. That one freaking sucked. I think I ate/inhaled half of the beach while I was doing barrel rolls down the beach shoreline. I think I completed 3 full rolls and 4 full face plants before I finally fell off the kayak for good. And it was a sit on top kayak, so it’s not like I was being held in the thing by anything but me trying to push it back over and the ocean pushing it all the way over in the opposite direction, and then the next wave would hit and flip me back over and it kept doing that until I stopped trying to push it back over and finally just let the waves knock it off the top of me, so I could just stand up. And this was in mid December, at night. So it wasn’t warm water and thankfully there weren’t many witnesses. My step dad was watching and he probably thought he just watched me kill myself in 12” of water, after spending a lifetime on the water. But I jumped right back up, relocated the 25lb chunk of bait and the 3lb chunk of lead and the leader line, loaded them back into the yak and I tried it again, after making a slight adjustment to my internal wave timing calculations. 3rd time went much better than the second one. Got the bait 350 or so yards out and got em dropped out there and paddled my way back to the shore. When I got my own kayak and took it to the lake the first time I was prepared for situations that I will almost certainly never experience on a kayak in freshwater fisheries. Like, how to eat half of a beach worth of sand, while performing barrel rolls like a well trained stunt man. 😂😂

Love this conversation a lot of information for me as a new kayaker Thank you both

Fluke and Latimer, my two faves!

As an avid fisherman that normally fishes from a bass boat, I've always wanted a kayak for smaller bodies of water. A couple of years ago I almost bought a pair of yaks for my son and I, but ultimately decided on a Pelican Bass Raider because it would be easier for him to fish from. And I was right, I'm on the TM and anchor while he just sits up there and rips lips 😂

Love your channel Brian!! Thanks for such great learning.

I love fishing out of my kayak and have learned to always check the weather and wind frequently. Make sure you got a whistle and a good PFD just in case things go sideways! Good video yall!

Loved this video B Lat! I felt like it was made just for me. Now I’m gonna watch the full video

Great interview! Gene is the man when it comes to kayak fishing! Learned a lot from him over the years! 2 of my favorites to watch, B-Lat and Gene!

Thanks Brian and Gene for this video. I have a bass boat and have wanted to try a Hobie Kayak. The points brought up about safely getting back in your kayak from the water, the solid life jacket, the net position and the different fishing perspectives an angler encounters while kayak fishing were very enlightening. Also important was trying out the kayak, for stability, and maneuverability in all weather and water conditions. I think you might have talked me out of costly purchase. Thanks!

Finally hands down to you guys to make this video. I’m a paddler, surfer and ocean fisherman from Hawaii now living in Vegas. I’m now a kayak fisherman now and I can tell you freshwater fishing is JUST as dangerous as saltwater. The same precautions that you take in saltwater APPLIES in freshwater. I see new kayakers not spending time to train themselves before heading out to fish. That is, getting in and out of the water. Flipping their kayak and getting back in etc. monitoring the weather as said in this video. I’ve had clear skies to storming down pour where I had had to go into a cove and wait the storm out. Thank you guys for this video.

Great interview

I agree that kayak fishing is an extra challenge. The boat is always moving/spinning around. Casting distance and getting good hook sets while seated low on the water is also more challenging. It’s more physical. Can’t cover nearly as much water. If you use paddles you can’t really troll or stroll. Definitely a lot more to contend with on the yak, but I still love it. My real passion is hiking out with my Packraft and then paddling back to my car. Never seen a soul in my fishing holes in 16 years of fishing them on my Packraft.

Kayaks are great! I don't have one yet. I have a bass boat. I love seeing people out enjoying the outdoors!!!! I try to be more considerate with kayaks do to their size.

Great video guys!!!! Stuff nobody's talks about, and us very important!!!!!!

I have actually settled on the middle with my Tiny Boat Pond Prowler. Works great. Very stable and I can still get into those places that boats can't.

I appreciate the kayak fishing love. Thank you

Those are excellent points to really consider.

Two of the best guys

My favorite anglers... Great info

I need more of this!

Great information thank you

I love kayak fishing. I dont do the tournaments but want to get into a few. I also like not using a net I love to lip that thing with my hand. It’s the best feeling in the world hands down 😊

I love that collab

I test every kayak in my pool. Knock on wood I have never flipped in 15 yrs. Stay centered and you can ride any wave.

Interesting getting different view points and conditions from Kayakers from different parts of the country. I fish the CA, Delta almost exclusively and my Danger are Bass Boaters not caring a wit about what's around them and buzzing by.

Two of the best in the fishing world ✊🏿✊🏿

Yeah. My second kayak is definitely my favorite. By far.

Ever since getting stuck on lake saint clair with a old Towne sportsman 106mk thank god boat us saved me , I only go in the coves anymore on any lake

Nice videos! I've been kayaking since the 1960s with a Folbot kit my dad and I built. I've owned many since then and currently have a 13' Ocean Kayak sit on top with foot steering, 17' Wilderness Adventures tandem sit inside and a Hurricane 13' acrylic sit inside that weighs 32 pounds i can easily put on my car. It has an elevated stadium type seat that's very comfortable and perfect minimalistic fishing Kayak for me. The Ocean Kayak sit on top is unsinkable and easy to get in if you swamp it. I ride huge waves right along side 200 pound Tarpon and tipping it over isn't a big deal. The large tandem is very stable but a large wave can easily swamp it. My dad and I were swamped by a yacht wake in the intercoastal. The Hurricane is by far the best paddling and most comfortable feathweight that I do all my fishing in when it's not rough. A couple months ago I had to physically push an airborne 5' spinner shark with my hand that I startled to keep it from landing in the kayak with me. Kayaking never gets boring! If I have one suggestion, keep it easy and simple and you'll do it more often.

Practicing re-entry is gold. I did not do that and I flipped my kayak by a stupid mistake I made and I could barely flip it back over. Once I did I could not get back into it and had to swim kick it to the bank of the cove. Thank God it was warm water but it was not fun. PRACTICE RE-ENTRY PEOPLE!

Very good explanation of net position. I built myself a vertical net holder that I attach to the rail just behind my left shoulder because I'm holding the rod in my right hand. Once the bass is in my net (also customized to be 2ft deep), I have a horizontal place to securely insert the butt of the net so the bass can relax down in it while I let off my reel tension and get my iPhone out for video "reveal". I don't use a GoPro of any kind.

A big fish from a kayak in wind and or current is stupid fun. But definitely can be sketchy, but that’s part of the fun imo just gotta try to be as safe as possible. For me I bring one waterproof floating bag and less then 3 rods and always wear a pfd. Definitely not boat fishing but definitely fun

Fitting topic..fished my first kayak tourney on the Columbia River this past weekend. One angler was pinned under a barge and was pulled under it for a bit. Luckily he survived.

My two favorite teachers! #blat #flukemaster #myalgorhithmsbetterthanyours #livingright 😆 Thanks, Gents!

I would recommend learning to use an anchor with a kayak. It makes fishing on a kayak easier but spend the time to watch videos to do it safely. I fish only on lakes when the weather is good.

I have a 17’ Bass Tracker and I don’t mess with the weather.

A lake I fish gets decent rollers and kayakers are often hit when boaters lose sight of them when they’re in the trough.

Female kayak angler here & I've got well over a decade of experinece in a kayak & feel super comfortable & in command of my yak, but I always have my pfd on because bad things can happen fast.

I have an Oru Bay ST. It folds up and only weights like 25lb. It is a sit inside and not decked out like some of these over built fishing kayaks but I get a lot more fishing in it because I don't need a rack or trailer. Folds down to fit inside my car i can throw in for after work or on trips and assemble it in 10min or less. I carry 2 rods and a small box with a small variety of lures and a bag of soft plastics. Always PFD and always keep an eye on the sky to head in if it starts looking ugly.

My first kayak was a paddle kayak + fish finder over a pedal drive for the same amount of $. I got rid of my paddle kayak for the pedal kayak I always wanted to realize I don't want a pedal drive. The drive is in the way. I'm back to a paddle kayak with a trolling motor and rudder to control drift with my feet. I hated having to use my left hand to adjust rudder position in a pedal kayak.

Gene, you look GREAT brother! May God continue to bless your health and your family.

Brian, your analysis on Kayak fishing not being an entry-level way of fishing is on par. It is a little more advanced because you have to be a minimalist with all your gear because you are limited with what you can take with you compared to a boater. So, if you want to fish all day on a kayak you have to research the lake prior to getting in it and find out what those bass are biting, the environmental conditions affecting the bite, and hope for the best some Wake Boat doesn't capsize you, especially in the larger lakes where you have skiers, jet skiers, and other recreational vessels.

I fished tournaments for 30 years bass tournaments here in Florida from okeechobee to Harris chain and working 55 hours a week and Iam still working 55 hours a week Bass Boats are so expensive but they are very comfortable

I am the same. But I really don't understand how guys go out in some of the conditions they go out in. I use a 5-7 mph rule of thumb in regards to the wind. Its always windier out on the water than when you check the report. I add 5-7 mph of wind to every forecast. This adding system will sometimes put you over 20 mph of wind which is my cutoff point. If you know your lake you can still fish in these conditions but maybe need to hit another side of the lake that is better protected from the wind. If you get to the ramp and you see white caps and the patking lot is empty well theres your sign. I'm also willing if it gets bad enough to lose my entire setup to save my life. And if it gets bad, I try to get as close to an open shore with a shallow depth of 2-4 feet where I can stand if needed. Know your waterways and always have an escape plan. Dont be afraid to have a second exit point where a friend or family member can pick you up by vehicle. The issue with kayak fishing is that we have so many new guys who dont know there limits, and dont know how to properly guide a kayak in choppy waters. They should almost be forced to take a class before starting. Also new guys I feel overlaod their kayaks, which can make it very dangerous. Know your limits, fish with a buddy, check weather reports with a trusted app (I use Weather Channel App), let your family know your launch points and your time expected out on the water, waterproof and teather your phone to your person, and wear your PFD always. Stay safe out there guys and gals!

Im in the west coast in bays and open water 10 miles out...my biggest fear are those boats that dont see us on the water.

Good talk. I avoid lightning like the plague but in the event I do encounter a thunderstorm I take my rods down horizontal to the water. I head to the nearest cover and I don’t fish. Don’t need any lightning rods standing straight up or in my hands. On another note, I don’t fish if the sustained wind is 20 mph or more. If I expect lots of recreational boaters (wake boats, pontoons) I might not fish if it is 15mph. I almost capsized once due to two wake boats that pushed waves at me at the. Same time when I was fishing a bluff wall. Scared me to death.

2 fishing legends

I went out on my kayak a couple years ago and saw a storm cloud coming so I went straight to the bank. Checked the weather app and it showed that it was gonna pass over within 30min. That damn storm just kept respawning over the top of me. 3 hours later and soaked to the bone, the storm finally started letting up and I was able to get back out on the water and started drying out. That was my most miserable day on the water in the last 5 years

Always always always wear a PFD no matter what begining to end.

My goal this season is to get my net out to land a fish faster

Nothing like fishing out of a kayak. You become the drag when fighting a large fish. Its flat out exhilarating.

Well looks like I will be buying me a better PFD. I use one of them self inflating or hand pull PFD’s

Shallow lakes will white cap before deep lakes.

Are those Cypress Gardens Dick Pope ski's??

I had a 14ft Hobie pro angler I was fishing in the river hooked up and the bass was 14 feet long I couldn’t get it in the kayak 😂

boats with the front 10feet in the air are my worst fear

Been there Auto inflate failed flipped close the the bank.got to the bank 3 /5 minutes later it inflate on land

Got caught in a 60mph gust thunderstorm since I didn’t check the forecast on my phone while on the water. Waves became 4-6 ft on a lake. Had to parrallel the bank until I hit a point since If I didn’t have my nose with the wind I would have capsized. I had to wait for 30 mins on the bank until the water calmed down and i have never peddled as fast as I did then to get to the boat ramp. Luckily I ocean and river fished before this or I would have not stood a chance of staying out of the water.

I'm approaching 10 years fishing on a yak and have fished from Toho, Kissimmee and Manatee in FL to Clark's Hill and several 3-60 acre lakes/ponds in GA. I have fallen off once and having practiced reentry was definitely a life saver. Like Gene said, now I always check weather apps daily cuz I have found the hardest thing about fishing in a yak is maintaining boat position and if there is more than 8-10 mph wind, it's almost impossible.

Ok great video but y'all left off if using an anchor best to avoid having the anchor line go under the kayak. As in the anchor line is tether to one side of the kayak but the anchor is on the opposite side. Now Brian I have to seriously question you saying kayak fishing is one of the toughest styles of fishing to do.. Backcountry long hiking, fishing It's probably one of the most challenging types of fishing to do. I've done that type fishing for several years and why I greatly appreciate being in a kayak

I was just thinking about purchasing a Johnny boat or some type of fishing kayak. After this video… I will stick with my 10 ft basshound. Lol.

Most kayaks take waves better than bigger boats. Wind can be a struggle but that's just part of the game. Learn and practice self rescue and master paddle techniques

Honestly being in good physical shape makes kayak fishing a whole lot more safe. If your unable to swim efficiently or tread water for a length of time pretty much screwed without a flotation device.

I have bought over 30 kayaks sold all of the kayaks the last kayak weigh 158 lbs old 136 auto pilot I was loading in my truck took the number as with the battery and trolling motor no way I didn’t want to buy a trailer sold it in 1 day 20 years

I’m not sure if anyone else notices but Gene is a Ryan Day look a like. With that being said….GO BLUE

He said motor boater! 🤣😂🤣😂

I’ve been kayak fishing for 12 years and you should keep your net in front of you having your net behind you will always be more of a struggle to get and if your losing fish right in front of you need a more parabolic rod

10mph winds: Kayak Fish 15mph winds: Kayak Fish 20mph winds: Stay home and cry, dream about kayak fishing, order more tackle

Bro, did you fish thus weekend at Champlain???

👍👍

The kayak is invisible at times of the day the kayak needs to be very visible flag lights

Always wear a pfd. Always always always. Spend the extra money and get one that you like the look of and dont feel embarrassed wearing at all times.

Compare his first kayak with the latest kayak man imagine trying to flip that equipment kayak back over if you do flip. 😂😂😂😂

I went to Lake O and the ass hats in bass boats was the biggest threats

How much is your school

"A motorboater" lmaoooo

Motor boaters unite!

I’m a motor boater.

Here I am out in the middle of lakes and rivers fishing while all the bass boats and aluminum jon boats and Sea-Doo guys are putting their vehicles on a trailer and looking for cover..... I learned how to River kayak on Whitewater in Maine and I did see kayaking on the oceans in the Gulf of Maine..... To me the most unsafe part of fishing out of a kayak is other people in boats not paying attention and fucking alligators and venomous snakes..... Because I live in Georgia now.... But I also try and get my alligator hunting permi, add bowfish for alligators in my stand-up kayak....😂

You need at least 10', I'm a big person and needed a 12' IMO

What's up

Wish someone would make a PFD for actual kayak fishing. Not sitting and storing crap in pockets, but standing up and throwing baits. All of them are in the way. Shorter handles don't count.

The biggest problem kayak fishers have is dropping their purses in the lake

Weird because for myself, I feel WAY safer in a kayak than I a boat. If I’m ever stock in nasty weather, I prefer to be so in my kayak! If sh1t happens in your boat, you are in deep sh1t! If sh1t happens with your kayak, well, just get back in it and paddle to shore, exit water.

You couldn't pay me to be out on my local lakes in a kayak... To much stupid out there....

Anyone know a great kayak pfd for large busted women?? The bane of my existence is that i have to trade safety for comfort. Thanks for considering!

I'm 200+ and paddle a stealth fisha 500. Long and skinny. 26 inches wide. I am not really agreeing with this guy

Kayaks were never ment to fish out off.

Go peddle drive!!

Stop trying to turn Kayaks into boats, teach and learn how to PADDLE

They were made to casually float up and down a stream ate creek. . Enjoying outdoors. Their not made to really fish in especially a tournament. Human common sense is worse than gun control, and now it has made it to fishing.