Duluth, MN (May 28, 2007) – Calling all anglers—the fishing kayak has arrived in the northland. Once you paddle one, you’ll understand why it’s so easy to get “hooked” on the sport. Positive Energy Outdoor (ed)Ventures is excited to offer a selection of Perception, Mad River and Wilderness Systems fishing kayaks, provided by The Ski Hut.
Kayak fishing is by no means a new sport. Inuit hunters have fished from kayaks in frigid northern waters for thousands of years. Over the past 10 years, kayak fishing has evolved and taken hold on the ocean coasts of Florida and California as well as the warm southern waters of Texas. Today, kayak fishing has become a mainstream angling style, with entire tournaments dedicated to the sport. Publications, including Paddler Magazine, have created new kayak fishing departments to meet the demand for information, and kayak fishing schools help anglers learn everything from basic paddling strokes and self rescue techniques to navigation and first aid skills. Nearly all species of game fish are easily caught from a kayak, and paddlers can travel 10 or more miles in a day of angling. Boats are designed for stability and ease of movement in a “sit on top” style or with a larger open cockpit. Fishing kayaks offer anglers a number of features that are designed and accessorized for the sport, including specially-designed hatches, built-in rod holders, catch bags and equipment mounts.
The sport of kayak fishing has a number of advantages. Kayaks come in single or tandem styles, and anglers enjoy the benefit of increased physical activity during their fishing trips. In addition, anglers experience a different connection to their surroundings as they paddle rather than motor to their fishing destinations. Kayaks are quiet and allow anglers to “sneak up” on their catch. In addition, fishing kayaks are affordable, easy to store and transport and have minimal maintenance requirements.
Where do you go to try one? Here are a few options: MRR’s Celebration of Quiet Places, from 2-6 pm on June 2 at Duluth’s Indian Point Campground; June 9 at Fish Lake from 2-5 pm as part of the Courage Duluth Walleye Tournament; Two Harbors Kayak Festival, August 3-5 at Burlington Bay; by appointment most evenings on Fredenberg Lake, 15 miles north of Duluth.
Blake Cazier and Stephanie Love, Positive Energy Outdoor (ed)Ventures program directors, have been involved in the sport of kayaking since it first came to Duluth. Cazier has helped start local paddling programs, and has enjoyed kayak fishing from Alaska to Panama.
According to Cazier, “Having helped kids and adults experience kayaking since 1984, I’m excited to finally have kayaks designed for fishing and be able to answer the common question—‘Can we fish out of these boats?’”
Positive Energy Outdoor (ed)Ventures, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, encourages children and families to explore the outdoors and offers learning opportunities that can lead to lifetime of active adventures. Contact Positive Energy at 218-428-5990 or e-mail steph@outdooredventures.org for more information on guided kayak fishing trips, demos, instruction and rentals.
www.outdooredventures.org
