Kelp fishing, or kelp forest fishing, is a form of ocean fishing that can easily be done with a kayak. According to Stonybrook University, kelp forests occur in cold, nutrient-rich water, and they are among the most productive habitats for fish in the ocean.
About Kelp Forests
According to Stonybrook, kelp forests are found around the world in shallow, coastal ocean waters, but the biggest forests are where temperatures are colder than 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Kelp forests depend on light to survive, so they are found in clear, shallow waters. A few forests can be found on the far northern U.S. Atlantic coast. On the West Coast, they line the U.S. coastline, from Alaska to Southern California.
Kayak Advantages
Kayaks are smaller, quieter and better on the environment than motorized boats. A large boat motor can run fish away, which is why you often see boats come to a stop and turn off their engines when they find a spot to fish. Kayaks do not have that problem; you can easily move around and fish as you float or paddle. According to California fisherman Dennis Spike, kayaks are cheaper, easier and give better access when you are fishing inshore, as with kelp fishing. Because of their small size, kayaks are easier to maneuver in tight spaces such as bays and shallow water.
What to Bring
Whenever you fish in the ocean, especially in colder waters with kelp forests, you should wear a wetsuit and a life jacket. Spike recommends bringing paddle clips, rod holders, surface anchors and Velcro. The paddle clips are used to hold your paddle as you hold the fishing rod when fishing. The rod holders are designed to hold your pole as you paddle the kayak, while Velcro is used to keep your supplies such as bait, water or food from shifting or falling out of the kayak. Spike says surface anchors help you anchor to a rock or the ocean floor, and they reduce swell or bouncing from the current and waves.
What You Will Find
According to Paul Sharman, an author who focuses on the outdoors and fishing, kelp forests are a great year-round fishery. Sharman says that in the forests you will find a wide variety of sea bass, including calicos, white bass and yellow-tailed bass. Spike notes that some fish in the kelp forests, such as halibut and sea bass, can weigh over 40 pounds. Because you are on a kayak, you may need help reeling in some of the larger fish, but according to Spike, individuals can reel in fish that weigh up to 25 pounds.
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