There are several species of fish that an angler can chase from a kayak. Being an avid kayak tournament angler I focus primarily on bass, practicing CPR; catch photograph and release. It is a great feeling to win the battle against a giant bass and put her back, watching her swim away knowing she will produce many more bass. Once in a while, it is just as fun (and filling) to load the boat with crappie; and release them into the fryer.

Now, I have fished for crappie for years…choosing artificial baits over minnows; selecting small tube jigs as the primary weapon. Usually the tube jig is placed on a light lead head and fished with or without a float around visible timber, either from the surface or a depth finder. By varying the depth. Under the float, I cast and retrieve very slowly; occasionally twitching the jig by shaking the rod tip. Without the float, I cast and retrieve very slowly with a slight “yo-yo” motion; paying special attention during the drop. The crappie have a very distinct thump when they bite, and the hookset is not quite the same as a 7lb bass. It takes a bit of practice to keep from literally “ripping some lips” but once you get it, there is a lot of fun to be had on the water.

There is a difference between boats and kayaks you should be aware of when you catch a mess. There is no live well on the typical kayak, so you have to put them somewhere.

I planned my first adventure targeting crappie from the Hobie and the conditions were right. I knew I was going to bring some dinner home; or hoped. My first thought was to use a stringer, but I have had turtles steal a fish or two over the years, so I went with a basket. Like I said, you have to put them somewhere.

Well, I caught one.

Tied the basket to the side and dropped him in.

Caught another, dropped him in the basket.

Pedaled the Hobie a few feet. The kayak was pulling to the right.

Caught another, and another; it was a good day! Both in the basket.

I pedaled forward, trying to get back to the original spot and had to go in a circle to the right. I pedaled farther, then pulled out my Bending Branches paddle to help me go to the left.

Caught another. Into the basket…

…the basket….

I was pedaling but could only go to the right. I was using my paddle to correct the path of my PA14 too often…

…the basket full of crappie was now a wind sock! It was pulling me to the side where I had tied it and no amount of pedaling or turning the rudder would change my course. After picking it up, there was no doubt that I had a big problem fishing from a kayak using a fish basket. I had never considered the drag a few crappie would have on a kayak. From a bass boat, there was no issue. From a Jon boat with a trolling motor, no issue. From a PA14 powered by my legs and Bending Branches…I was losing.

For the rest of the day, I would fish, pick up the basket before moving and drop it at the next spot.

Now when I go fishing for crappie, I use my Engel Dry Box (normally my tackle storage system) as a “live well” to eliminate the aggravation of lifting and lowering a fish basket. I usually only stay on the water a few hours when chasing crappie and clean them as soon as I get to the house, so they keep well. Actually I fillet them with an electric knife while the grease is heating; put a bit of lemon juice, garlic salt and breading… cook ‘em...eat ‘em. They really don’t spend a lot of time out of the water!

Like I said, I am an avid kayak tournament angler who believes in CPR 99% of the time. But now and then, a big ole mess of crappie really hits the spot so I thought I would share a lesson that will keep you from running in circles thinking you do not know how to handle the kayak.

And…leave some for the next guy…crappie are not bass, but they can still be fun to catch enough for dinner…but release the rest.