Adventure Woman Loves Kayak Fishing!

I find kayaking and fishing both challenging. I have spent a lot of time doing both and was never a natural at either. So I was not especially confident undertaking the new adventure of kayak fishing. At first blush, it I imagined it to be akin to walking on a balance beam while juggling (meaning a little difficult). However, once I was immersed in the sport I was pleasantly surprised by how easy and relaxing the two activities are together - it works. I love it. I was overjoyed and smitten by kayak fishing.

Here is why:

The kayaks keep you close to the water and you feel in charge of your vessel (unlike riding in a fishing boat). Further, you can paddle off a little from the group and have a little peace and meditation while fishing. I especially liked this aspect of kayak fishing because there is inevitably people on your fishing boat (even if they're friends and family) who talk - or brag - incessantly about fishing. Perhaps, because I am a woman not especially versed in fishing and casting I was always getting constant instruction (often taken for criticism) and this led to my personal frustration and more than once setting down my pole.

But given a little space and breathing room, I felt eager and empowered to really fish. I went on my kayak adventure with a few good friends and my 10-year-old daughter and everyone (male/female and young/old) loved it. Perhaps, it is also due to the positive and encouraging personality of Neil Taylor, owner of Strike Three Kayak Fishing. He knows when to instruct and knows when to let you operate independently and have a little (or a lot) of fun.

My daughter caught the biggest and most fish (typical of a 10-year-old girl to steal the show fishing). I caught a nice size red fish and had something rather large and fast break my line (this elicited smiles and screams). Now I actually own one of great classic American "The big that got away" stories.

Another bonus to the fishing was the beauty of it all. We were near Clearwater, Florida, and the water was warm and beautiful. There were schools of dolphins just yards away and elegant white egrets and pelicans catching fish. The aqua blue water and white shimmering sand were transfixing. Several times I sat in the sand while fishing with the lapping water hitting chest high. It was paradise.

We started around 8AM (we were running late - see the previous blog) and finished about 1:30. At that point we had enough sun and fishing for the day.

I can't recommend this adventure enough. If you're anywhere near the Tampa Bay/Orlando area give Neil a call and tell him Adventure Woman sent you!