Last month I discussed methods on how to successfully catch and release your catch while kayak fishing. This month I will discuss how to keep your catch fresh and how to keep live bait frisky. Just remember to keep up with your local regulations to avoid getting the bad citation.

I will begin with ways to keep bait fresh and frisky. After all, you've got to have good bait to catch big fish. The majority of anglers are use to cut bait, such as squid and cut mullet. The best way to keep cut bait fresh is to keep it in a smaller container with a small ice pack. I use a combination bait box/cutting board by Plano and add a reusable ice pack.

In kayak fishing, the more you prepare before you get on the water, the more time you spend fishing vs. rigging. I prefer a separate container for my bait and keep cooler space for lunch. There is nothing worse than sodas and sandwiches that taste like bait.

Live bait is a bit harder to keep alive, but the best and most economical way to keep them happy is to use a float and troll type minnow bucket. I put it overboard while fishing and pull it onto my kayak while paddling. I have no trouble keeping hardier minnows such and gudgeons and mullet alive this way. When live bait fishing I carry this bucket along with my cast net. The other option is to buy or build a live well system for your kayak. I use a 2.5 gallon bucket with a 12-volt aerator. This is better suited for less hardy baits and when the water temperature is very hot. You can also buy commercial systems made especially for a kayak. These are more expensive, but most are insulated and well worth the extra money.

Now that you have the bait, what about catching fish?

Landing fish that you intend to keep is very easy, but until you are sure that the fish is legal, it should be handled in a way that will insure its survival. When landing any fish I prefer to use a net or a lip gripper. Gaffs are fine to use, except in Virginia it is illegal to gaff striped bass. You would not want to gaff any fish that is too small to possess, or one that you intend to release.

Authors Tip: The shaft of your paddle is a good place to put a stick on ruler. The one provided by the VMRC is excellent for this application. This way you always have a ruler handy. A laminated copy of the current regulations is also handy.

Now that you have the fish landed, what do you do with it while you continue fishing? The question that I get asked the most at my seminars is, "Where do you keep your fish?" The answer is simple- anywhere they will fit. Actually the best way that I have seen to store fish is in the kayak fish bag by Creative Feathers.
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This is basically a waterproof soft sided cooler tapered to fit the contour of your kayak. It can either be lashed to the top of your kayak (with the attached straps) or put inside the kayak via the larger forward hatches. Using this bag inside my forward hatch is my preferred way to keep fish fresh during my kayak fishing trips. It allows you to isolate the fish in an insulated compartment and prevents the inside of your yak from smelling fishy. Smaller soft sided coolers can also be used to keep smaller fish. Again I prefer to use reusable ice packs or block so I do not get any water inside my kayak. This also makes clean up easier.

Another option is to use a mesh bag or a stringer to keep fish fresh. You simply put your catch in the bag or on the stringer, and hang them overboard. This is good if the water is cooler and if you are not paddling. But if you are on the move, you have to bring it onboard with you. Another disadvantage is that you are basically chumming and may attract bigger fish that also want a nice fish dinner. Not a good idea where large predatory fish (SHARKS) are present.

No matter what your choice is, Catch and Release or Fillet and Release, kayak fishing is definitely the best way to enjoy both. I hope you enjoyed this article, and I hope to see you on the water very soon.