Well, I’ve finally spent a few days out with my pedal kayak and I love it.  Yes, I still enjoy my sit-on-top paddle fishing kayaks and will use them often, but there are some very nice advantages to a kayak like the Coosa FD.

I like the ability to slowly move and fish at the same time, which is very similar to the trolling motor on my boat.  And, with the large rudder controls, I can control right or left movement with either hand.  This allows me to hold the fishing rod to fish or troll while fishing a swimbait while controlling kayak direction.  One thing that concerned me about the heavier and wider self-propelled kayaks was maneuverability.  I’ve been pleased with how nimble this kayak is, while still paddling nicely.  With the seat in the high position, I get a great view of the water with my polarized sunglasses. 
Many anglers like to stand while fishing.  Even for a senior like me, I can stand comfortably in this kayak pushing off the seat to stand.  At almost 13 feet, it handles the big waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan well.  Add plenty of storage, flush mount rod holders and tracks for additional items, you’ve got yourself a great fishing machine.  I will continue to use my paddle fishing kayaks often, but for me, I see a place for the Coosa FD for my fishing.

Speaking of fishing, we are moving into the prime time for smallmouth bass fishing and in my 26 years of fishing smallies in Door County, it has been the slowest I can remember.  My guide friends and the many other friends who come to Door County to fish smallies are scratching their heads as the problem.  In general, smallie fishing has been in a down period for about five years.  So, it’s more important than ever to practice Catch, Photograph, and Release, along with not fishing for smallies while they are on beds.  Let them do their thing and hopefully, our fishery will bounce back.  

If you have any kayak or kayak fishing questions, please email me at kayakfishingwisconsin@gmail.com