By Bill Cooper

Kayaks have become the craze for anglers across the country over the last two decades. From the Alleghenies to the Keys, and from the Appalachians to the Rockies, fishermen are chasing everything from stripers to tarpon from the comforts of modern kayaks. Bass anglers in particular ave never had it better as they utilize the best crafts and baits to paddle and wiggle their way into fishing spots that were formerly unreachable.

Compared to power boats, kayaks are a low-cost solution for getting off the banks and into some great fishing spots. Too, waters suitable for kayak fishing are bountiful across the nation. From the smallest of ponds to rivers and backwater areas connected to larger reservoirs, kayaks are the most versatile craft available to take advantage of the fishing opportunities found in these waters. 

Bass fishing from a kayak allows anglers to get into less pressured areas. If a large lake system holds big bass, the connecting back-bays, sloughs and entering streams will hold them, too.  Many of these areas are hard to reach with conventional fishing boats, affording kayakers the exceptional opportunity to catch big bass that see little fishing pressure. At times the fishing can be outstanding.

Stealth is key when fishing many of these remote, out-of-the-way, hard to reach spots. And kayaks offer the quiet, slow, low profile medium to accomplish that task. Such spots are often thick with cover, both underwater and above the surface. Although such areas may be tougher to negotiate, they also offer the adventurous angler an opportunity to hook up with a true trophy largemouth bass. 

Topwater frogs such as BOOYAH’s Pad Crusher, Poppin’ Pad Crusher, Toad Runner, and Rebel Buzzin’ Frog all shine in heavy cover areas where big bass lurk. Heavy equipment, bait casters spooled with 20lb line, or better, are a must to horse bulky bass from deep within thick cover.

Spinnerbaits are the perfect protecting baits for probing these hidden treasures of the bass fishing world. Short, accurate casts are needed to plop the baits into pockets among the structure. Both BOOYAH and War Eagle offer a myriad of spinnerbaits that meet every conceivable need of bass anglers tossing temptations into the thick stuff. BOOYAH’s Double Colorado Blade spinnerbait is exceptional for tossing in smaller pockets of water. The large blades cause the bait to sink at a slower rate, allowing bruiser bass the opportunity to get a good look at this potential meal. In areas with more open water, War Eagle’s Nickel Frame Double Willow Spinnerbaits provide plenty of flash and vibrations to attract marauding bass the thickest surrounding cover.

`Soft plastics have perhaps the widest range of applications in  the hard to reach waters available to kayak fishermen. These versatile baits allow fishermen to thoroughly cover every level of the water column. YUM Dingers are hard to beat when it comes to baits suitable for the hidden thick areas of kayak waters. The versatile bait can be drug over thick weeds and Lilly pads, wiggled over limbs and logs, and allowed to drop into tiny pockets, and slowly fished across rocks, rubble and wood on the bottom as well. Other productive baits include the Houdini Shad, Kill Shot, Magnum Christie Critter, Mighty Worm, Lizard, Bad Mamma, Finesse Worm, and Genie. The Money Minnow and Yum Pulse baits often shine in these out of the way places as swell.

Being low and slow seems contradictory to the usual high profile, blast, and cast style of most bass fishermen, but for the individual who enjoys escaping the crowds and the usual ritz and glitz of the everyday bass fishing world, bass fishing from a kayak offers the adventurous angler the opportunity to work alone and target big bass under their own terms.  

Buying a kayak in today’s market is much like looking for a car or truck. The choices are almost endless. Every major outdoor retailer has them in stock, as does Walmart, farm stores and specialty shops. You can spend as little as a couple hundred dollars to get into a basic kayak, or you can spend thousands on name brand kayaks with very comfortable sit on top seats, trolling motors, fishing electronics, anchor systems and more. Built in rod storage, live boxes, and a host of other attachments are available.

Another option is to purchase a used kayak. They are especially plentiful at the end of summer. Watch for them at yard sales. I frequent online sales like Marketplace and have bought several great kayaks over the years at exceptional prices.

If you are not certain of you want to get into fishing from a kayak, try renting one first. Most canoe livery operators in the Ozarks now offer kayaks for rent. Ask if they have sit on top fishing kayaks available. Many carry basic model fishing kayaks, which can give you a good feel for the boats. That way you can make an educated decision.

Rivers and streams in the Ozarks lend themselves well to kayak fishing. I’ve personally kayaked and fished on the Meramec, Courtois, Huzzah, Current, Jacks Fork and Eleven Point. In the process, I’ve enjoyed some incredible fishing trips, including a trip on the Meramec when I caught a 7-lb largemouth bass that towed my kayak around for several minutes.