As an avid kayak angler over the years I have been given the opportunity to discover the world of photography from my kayak seat. My 6th year taking photos I have decided to write a guide to kayak photography.

Photography from a kayak enables a unique environment which average people cannot access.  The ability to become one with natures is key to capturing those moments. From unique landscapes to wildlife action and portrait shots. A new perspective inches from the water surface that most cannot achieve. Untrodden angles generate a unique opportunity to capture light. 

Choosing the right Kayak For Photography

The right kayak for photography varies to the users personal preference but also the the users dimensions. Pointers to look for.

• Sit in vs Sit on Top
• Stability
• Paddle vs Pedal
• Electric Motor

Sit in vs Sit on Top Pros & Cons. A sit in kayak offers benefits for your gear. Storage and the ability to keep your gear our of the elements. A sit on top allows more maneuverability.

Stability is a must. Holding your camera still is necessary especially in low light conditions. Choose a kayak that is stable and easy to stand kneel and lean on.

Paddle vs Pedal. Hands free is your friend. Paddling can be tough with having the paddle get in the way. Water droplets hitting your gear happen also.

Pedaling affords a more hands free solution without the water droplets getting on your gear.

Electric Motor is the best option [where foot controlled steering can be utilized for true hands free operation. Also you may hold in place in the wind a bit easier!

Equipment:

Personally I prefer to use a SLR or Mirror less camera with a good all around lens. I shoot with budget gear. I feel that budget gear is the best solution when it comes to kayak photography. A kayak as your platform can be tough on your gear. It’s a wet dirty environment with temperature fluctuations. All these things electronic equipment doesn’t play well with.

Using a lower end body such as a Canon 700 series you can make up for with good glass. I prefer the less weight compared to a full frame SLR. The smaller APC sensor wont loose much DPI in the images.

Protecting your investment.

The kayak although a great platform for photography also can be dangerous for your gear. One of the dangers is dropping your gear overboard. The other is weather dependency. Keeping your gear protected is the best option for its longevity.

Kayak photography is performed in a harsh environment. This can take a toll on your equipment. Follow these steps to maximize the life of your gear.

1. Use some type of rain gear to keep precipitation off of it.
2. Always protect your lens glass with a UV filter.
3. Minimize lens changes in dirty wet or windy areas.
4. Wipe any moisture quickly
5. Clean all of your gear after any shoot especially in saltwater environments.
6. Use a waterproof case or bag when not in use.

Waterproof case options.

• Dry Case – Brunswick
• Pelican Box
• NRS Dry Bag
• Watershed Chattooga Dry Bag w/ Photo Kit Plus™

When I started taking my SLR on the kayak realizing that this was a tough environment investing in a low budget option is an NRS dry Bag with a padded insert. This will protect your gear from splashes, rain, or a dunk. However will not really protect from shock or drops. Also are limited to a camera body and lens. This is all that will comfortably fit and be easily used.

I have used the DryCase Brunswick backpack for years. Added a padded insert to protect my camera and lenses from bumps and drops. This solution worked well for a few years. Unfortunately the backpack was too clunky and large. It was tough to fumble with and remove my camera quickly then have to roll and clip it closed. However the bag is great for on foot traveling!

The Pelican case is pricey but is the best way to protect your gear and one of the fastest ways to access your camera. Although its pretty large and being that its a hard case its tough to store on your kayak.

Currently for the past 6 months i have been using the Watershed Chatooga Duffel Dry Bag with photo bag & inserts. The dry bag is a good size to stow easily but allows one camera and 2 – 3 lenses with extra storage for my gopros. I love the quick release “Ziploc” style opening for quick access!

Take your Photography to remote areas!

Photography from a kayak allows you the freedom to roam into remote places that most people cannot access. The ability to find the perfect undeveloped landscapes, wildlife in their native habitats, or those kayak fishing action shots!

I have since upgraded to the Watershed Chattooga Duffel Dry bag with Photo kit which adds a padded insert bag and divider inserts to protect even better. The advantage of the Watershed is the unique ziplock style closer.

Duffel Dry bag with Photo kit which adds a padded insert bag and divider inserts to protect even better. The advantage of the Watershed is the unique ziplock style closer.

Being out on the water affords different angles that cannot be acquired from land. The advantage to capture that big sky and the wildlife within the area is a plus on your stealthy kayak!

Planning a kayak fishing trip entails a few steps before actually fishing. This article will elaborate on the steps I take in planning local and traveling fishing trips. Believe it or not kayak fishing is a dangerous sport. I hope these tips will help you plan your next saltwater kayak fishing trip and make it a successful and safe one!

Species to Target

Example of Delaware Striped Bass Regulations

All locations differ on species to target. Some fish maybe seasonal or some may be abundant year round. Its good to do some research on what species you want to target. Check the local regulations on these species. We live in a day when there are creel limits and even regulations of tackle and bait used to lure the fish. For example in Maryland Striped bass are catch and release only for the spawning season. Along with the catch and release regulation tackle is also strictly monitored to number of hooks and barb-less hooks. Along with bait it has been for a few years illegal to posses or fish with bait such as river herring. These are all factors as an angler it is your responsibility to research for the species you plan to target.

Location

Google Maps

Navionics Web App

Choosing a location for your kayak fishing trip can vary on the choice of Species Targeted. It can also vary on weather conditions and tide predictions. Take these into account. If the wind is going to be coming from the NorthEast most of the day plan on an area with shelter from that wind and where you think the fish may hold. Plan on a location with the ability to park and launch your kayak. Some places its illegal to park in certain areas. Also private land can be an issue.

When scouting a new area I always research using google satellite maps. It can give you a good idea of a place to park and launch. However it is always good to drive to the area prior to make sure its safe and accessible. Then i study the charts on the Navionics web app.

Weather

Widfinder

Weather Phone App

Weather conditions are a huge factor in kayak fishing. Wind being the primary disadvantage in most cases. Paddling or peddling can become exhausting over time. Location is key in windy situations. Plan for the wind and plan your drop in location and route accordingly.

Check the weather forecast days before to plan. Weather conditions can change any minute of the day or night. Personally I like to use weather apps such as Windfinder and Accuweather for air temp and precip forecasts.

Dress for the weather. This is important see the Gear and Safety Section below.

Know your limits. Don’t go out of you know the winds are going to be too much for you to handle. Paddling all day against the wind is no fun and can be dangerous.

The weather always varies and predictions are typically off so just go and see how it is at the drop in. Don’t let weather forecasts cause you to stay home. Just take them as a precaution.

Moon and Tides

Tide Predictions

Believe it or not Moon phase and Tide flow is essential to saltwater fishing. This should be a major part of your planning. IF you drop in at high tide where will the tide be when you get back? All mud? These are things to think of when picking your location.

Also certain species of fish feed at different points within a tide swing. Its good to take note of these times while fishing. It could benefit you on future fishing trips.

Gear and Safety

Gear is everything you plan on taking with you on your kayak. As stated kayak fishing can be very dangerous so safety should be a major concern. Its good practice to always wear a USCG Class III approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Basic safety gear like a whistle and a signaling device such as the YakAttack VISICarbon Pro are great additions.

Dress for the weather.

Summer time personally I dress in long pants and shirt with an SPF rating of 50+. Fishing pants I prefer are Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Pant. And for shirts Columbia Men’s Terminal Tackle Long Sleeve Shirt for an example as there are so many Sun Shirts on the market. If possible always avoid cotton. Cotton absorbs water and does not dry quickly.

Winter Dry Gear is very important for safety. The no cotton rule applies much more here.  I personally love the Kokatat Hydrus 3L Tempest Dry Pants with Socks. Layer up with base layer under the dry pants. Top start with a base layer. Mysterioso shirt is the best i have worn over the years.

Also always remember to bring water with you. A lunch or snack is always good as you don’t always know how long you may be out fishing.

A rule of thumb is to always have a dry set of clothes packed in your car. Just in case.

Float Plan

Its a good practice to let family or friends know the location you will be launching just in case you happen to encounter trouble. Its always good to have people know your whereabouts as a precaution.

Tackle

An example. What to have in your tackle box for Flounder fishing can vary. Its good to always have multiple colored and weights of jigs handy. A spool of 20# test leader line should be handy. Terminal tackle such as swivels slides and 3/0 – 5/0 octopus style hooks are needed. Teasers you can tie your own or purchase some.

For Stripers examples being. Jigs, Swim baits, and even hard swim baits are a key choice of tackle. Personally I still bring too much tackle but you never know what you may need throughout the day.

A milk crate or YakAttack Blackpak is an excellent addition to store tackle and also add additional rod holders for more fishing rods. I typically take 3 – 4 rods with me depending on the fish i am targeting. This way you can have different tackle tied and ready.

Tools

Always good to have a net handy. This goes along with a pair of Aluminum Fishing Pliers and a sharp Knife with Floating Handle. Rod leashes goes with the saying if you love it leash it. If using bait you may want a Bait Board or a live Bait Container.

Electronics

Having a fish finder with GPS charts is an excellent addition to your kayak. A great tool for fishing. Being able to read where the bait and fish are located in the water column is a huge advantage. Seeing whats on the bottom while using the charts to see where drop offs and structure can change fishing into catching. The GPS charts will come in handy when a thick fog rolls in. Also are handy for locating charted structure and landmarks.

Also its good to have some form of communication. A water proof cell phone or in a Waterproof Dry Bag. Or a Handheld VHF Submersible Radio. These electronics will be very useful in an emergency situation or just communicating with your fishing buddys.

Anchoring

All depending what species you are targeting you may want to have an SEA-LECT Designs Folding Economy Anchor Kit handy. Windy situations a YakAttack ParkNPole will come in handy. Just make sure you install and  use an Yakattack Leverloc Anchor Trolley to get your anchor lines at the bow or stern of your kayak in currents. Anchoring off the side can be a big mistake.

I hope these examples of how to plan for a saltwater kayak fishing trip come in handy. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me! Tight lines!

Dont buy another GoPro battery until you have read this!

Last year I was searching for a spare GoPro battery for my Hero2 cameras on Amazon.com and came across Wasabi Power. The kit included (2) Wasabi Power batteries and a Wall/Car 12V charger for $20.00. I figured what do I have to loose going with that option since the new GoPro battery was $40.00.

Turns out this was a great purchase. I have been using it over a year now and it will charge a dead battery in about an hour and a half which beats the USB cable. I can now charge on the go with the 12V option. The batteries last as long as the original GoPro batteries. This is an excellent alternative.

Wasabi Power also supplies batteries and chargers for Hero3 & Hero3+ cameras.

Although from what I understand is they are developing a new charger for the Hero3+ batteries due to the 2 notches that have been removed from the Hero3 batteries. They also produce batteries and chargers for other photo and video devices. Check out their Facebook for more information and links to the charger and batteries you are searching for.

https://www.facebook.com/WasabiPower