Rattle, wiggle, wobble, click, clack, flutter, flick, twitch and pulse are all terms associated with good vibrations for bass anglers. The bass' sophisticated sensory system is capable of detecting even the faintest vibrations.
However, many of us continue to blissfully bump, bang, scrape, swoosh, thump and slosh our way along in pursuit of these wary critters. Kayak fishermen, marketing coordinators, salesmen and paddling enthusiasts have touted the advantages kayaks offer as the sport has gained popularity. Manufacturers have littered brochures, magazine ads, kayak models and product releases with references to stealth, quiet, silence and other similar terms designed to appeal to our understanding of the benefits they offer.
If stealth is one of the primary advantages of kayak fishing, bad noises are its scourge. Too much noise or the wrong noise can ruin your kayak bassing. Fish-spooking disturbances become much more evident while night fishing. The absence of our dominant sense (sight) highlights clumsy indiscretions, an inefficient paddle stroke or self-induced noise pollution created by faulty rigging.
Sound waves from voices are mostly refracted at the surface, but the kayak serves as a conduit for transmitting vibrations through the water column from paddles, rods, lip grippers, dropped tools or incidental contact. This sends out a warning to all bass in the vicinity.
To catch more bass, we need to create a system that eliminates as much noise as possible. A few years ago, a frustrating trip with my 7-year-old son, Austin, led me to consider modifications to the products I use on my kayaks. I looked for ways to dampen the noise he made. I had to evaluate the entire process. Technique, paddling, poling, anchoring, casting, repositioning, moving and standing all had to be scrutinized. Along the way, I learned a great deal about improving my own approach and developed deliberate processes that improve opportunities for success.
Proper paddling technique is one of the most crucial considerations for improving your efficiency as a kayak angler, but it also has a lot to do with the disturbance you create. The paddle should always enter the water as cleanly as possible on the forward portion (catch) of the stroke, followed by steady, smooth movement and rotation to prevent the "toilet flush" as you move along.
A vertical stroke offers efficiency and prevents or reduces rocking, but care must be taken to avoid contact with the boat. Poling is an option that works great for standing or sitting and also allows you to sneak in undetected when used in lieu of the paddle in shallow water. The pole serves double duty to stake out and hold position, too. It is inevitable to create some noise on the water.
After extensive trial and error, I found that using adhesive foam to cover primary contact areas eliminates or dampens most noise associated with these instances. As an added bonus, the foam increases traction while standing and eliminates repeated shuffling of my feet and the waves and noise that creates. I think of it as a silencer for my boat, paddle and other gear, and it has increased my stealth substantially.
Develop your own noise reduction strategy and you'll be amazed at the effect it has on your success. Check in next week when we explore anchoring and positioning options that will improve your presentations while fishing from your kayak.
Editor's Note: Chad Hoover is originally from Louisiana and is currently on active duty in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Norfolk, Va.
