Using currents to your advantage: A Kayak Fishing Guide's Insights from Singapore
Diamond Trevally caught on a kayak fishing trip in East Coast Singapore
Whether you're a novice or a seasoned angler, knowing how to navigate the currents is vital when kayak fishing. With this info you’ll save a lot of unneeded paddling and you will always have a good idea of where the fish are biting.
Currents VS Tides
Firstly, there is a common misconception between tides and currents. Let’s Clarify this!
Tides are the regular up and down movement of water and happen because of the moon and sun's pull. Incoming tides make water levels rise, and outgoing tides make them fall.
Currents are how water flows, influenced by various things, including tides, known as tidal currents. But, unlike tides, currents can be less predictable because they're affected by things like wind.
A moving current is usually great for fishing. It forces sea life from the structures they’re hiding in, and pushes bait into different pockets of water. This creates a feeding frenzy for fish!
Navigating Strong Currents:
Strong currents can make kayak fishing even more challenging as it can be difficult to remain in the same spot. Also the constant back-and-forth paddling can fatigue those who are newer to kayaking and haven’t built up the stamina. The best thing to do in times of strong currents for beginners and novices is to anchor down! This saves you plenty of fishing time, and conserves your energy. When the current is strong, staying over the structure is crucial so that you can catch a fish!
Navigating Slower Currents:
On the flip side, slow currents require a different approach. When the current is slow, fish are less likely to be on the move and trying to feed. Your best option is to try and find the spots where they may be resting between feedings.
Use your fish finder to locate isolated spots which have distinct structures like corals, big rocks or even a sunken man made structure! Make sure to drop your lines directly on the structures as this is where most of the fish will be hiding.
Best Currents for Fishing:
So what is an Ideal Current? Currents flowing between 0.5 to 0.9 knots are the sweet spot when it comes to kayak fishing. Fishes are in their feeding prime during this range. You’ll also be able to cover a wide area without drifting away from fishing spots too quickly.
There are many nuances to fishing, especially when it comes to the current. Different fish respond differently to current and tidal changes and the rules will constantly change as you're on the water. But, hopefully my tips are a good starting point for your own kayak fishing journey. And if you’re ever keen to learn more, come out on a trip with Fever! We’re always glad to help others catch fish and learn more about the joys of kayak fishing.