By Garry Mason

Imagine, if you can, gliding down a slow moving stream with a light action rod in your hand. The green canopy of the tree limbs overhead providing cool, shady comfort as you position yourself to make that first cast of the morning. One more dip and push of the paddle blade, and you are in a perfect position.

This scenario is happening all across the great state of Tennessee on any given summer morning. And it is happening in kayaks.

Kayaking has become one of the fastest growing sports in the South and with the creation of the fishing kayak, anglers both young and old alike have been inspired to take to the waters for a kayaking adventure.

With the invention of plastic injection molding, kayak manufacturing companies such and NuCanoe, Jackson Kayak, and Hobie as well as many others have helped to put anglers on waters that were, for the most part, inaccessible to fishermen with larger vessels. Plus the price of owning a kayak won’t break the bank, or make the little lady of the house put you out on the front porch for a few nights, if you know what I mean.

An angler can fish on large bodies such as Kentucky Lake or small rivers like the Hatchie, Obion, or Forked Deer. Wonderful, tranquil waters await those with kayaks such as the beautiful Reelfoot Lake.

Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, and other species of game fish can be very accessible to an angler when fishing from a small vessel such as a kayak.

The neatest thing for the everyday angler is the small bodies of waters that owning a kayak can open you up to. From farm ponds to streams and small rivers, an angler or group of anglers can set off on an adventure of a lifetime while staying within driving distance of one’s very own mailbox.

Kayak Bass Fishing Tournament Director Chad Hoover says it best, “Kayak fishing is one of the best ways to spend a day on the water alone or with a group of friends or family. I believe that kayak fishing is a much more intimate fishing experience and oftentimes it’s more effective because you can access waters that others may not be able to reach. I can’t think of a better way to spend a day than on the water fishing with friends or family.” One thing is for sure. Kayaks are compact and for the most part easily transportable to one’s favorite fishing hole.

You may say, ‘Well I am not a fisherman but I would love to float down a small river and just kick back and relax.” Once again, a kayak may just be the answer for you and your family. Kayaks can be just the ticket on a sultry summer day for a cruise on your favorite stream. Throw a small cooler of your favorite beverage on the back, and off you go.

Today’s average kayaks are not the boats that you see on the whitewater adventures in the movies. These new style of boats are both comfortable and stable to operate. The fishing version can be up to thirteen feet long and hold rods, reels, plenty of tackle and even have a trolling motor and a depth finder for those who are serious about their fishing. The regular everyday kayak can come equipped with an adjustable seat and dry storage for your valuables (i.e. peanut butter sandwiches). Whether it is fishing that thrills you or just a slow float down a lazy stream, a kayak can be just the ticket for some much needed relaxation from everyday life in the fast lane.

Here are a few tips for those who may want to try their hand at kayaking from Professional Kayak Fishing Guide, Joey Monteleone of Middle TN. Tennessee requires that each kayak have a life jacket on board and in reach of the operator. I suggest that one should be worn at all times while in the kayak for safety reasons. Kayak fishing, even on small ponds, requires the appropriate fishing license. Check all state and local laws to insure that your kayaking adventure is both safe and on legal waters before you go. Permission must be obtained prior to entering or crossing any and all private property, to reach and put in any waters, even though the waters may be public or state owned.

Good luck, be safe, and have a great summer kayaking.