Small Craft Fishing

Fishing Lake Champlain from a small boat or watercraft can give an angler the flexibility to fish water that is not normally accessible to the shore angler. Small boats- varying in size from 20 feet in length to as small as a 6 foot car top boat. Kayaks, canoes, inflatable boats, and other watercraft can be used in a variety of locations such as harbors, marinas, tributary rivers, river mouths, small bays and other near-shore areas. Power options for mobility of the watercraft can vary from self propelled or paddling to outboard motors or electric trolling motors. Fishing methods used can include many of the same methods used from shore (casting, float fishing, fly fishing, bait fishing) or even a variety of trolling options.

Safety

Safety is crucial when fishing from a small boat or watercraft. Common sense is your most important asset. Carefully choosing the days when you can fish safely is extremely important. Bad weather, strong winds and wave height can all impact small watercraft dramatically. Cold water temperatures can result in hypothermia. No fish in the lake that is ever worth risking your life; if the waves are too high or weather is bad, simply fish another day.

Equipment

The most important piece of safety equipment is a good PFD (personal flotation device). A dry suit should be used if fishing from an inflatable or kayak in cold water. After that you should have signal flares, an air horn and whistle. Most of the time, small boat anglers are within sight of shore, but if a fog comes in it is easy to become disoriented so a good compass and GPS are very helpful. A GPS is also helpful for keeping track of your speed while trolling.

Additional Safety Information:

• PFD Selection, Use, Wear and Care:  Information about selection, use, wear and care of Personal Flotation Devices from the US Coast Guard.
• Hypothermia and Cold Water Survival:  Hypothermia and cold water survival presentation from the US Coast Guard.
• Kayaking Safety (The-Lake-Life.com)