Kayak fishing near Columbus, Ohio

Kayak fishing near Columbus, Ohio

The Scioto River flowed gently beneath me as I paddled my kayak towards my favorite fishing spot. The sun shone brightly overhead, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees along the riverbank. I couldn’t ask for a more perfect day for kayak fishing.

I had come to the Scioto River in search of smallmouth bass. These fish are known for their fighting spirit and their delicious meat. I had my rod rigged with a medium-light spinning reel and a small crankbait. I cast my line into a likely spot and waited.

It didn’t take long before I felt a tap on my line. I set the hook and felt the weight of a fish on the other end. The fish took off on a strong run, but I was able to slow it down and eventually bring it to the kayak. It was a nice smallmouth bass, about 15 inches long. I quickly snapped a picture and released the fish back into the water.

I continued fishing my way down the river, catching a few more smallmouth bass along the way. I also caught a couple of crappie and a white bass. It was a great day of fishing.

As the sun began to set, I headed back to the launch site. I was tired but happy. I had had a great day of fishing and had caught some nice fish. I couldn’t wait to come back and do it again soon.

Here are some tips for kayak fishing near Columbus, Ohio:

  • The best time to fish is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the fish are active.
  • The best places to fish are in the Scioto River, Hoover Reservoir, and Alum Creek Reservoir.
  • The most popular fish to target are smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, and catfish.
  • Be sure to use live bait, such as minnows or nightcrawlers, or artificial lures, such as crankbaits, spinners, and jigs, for the best results.
  • Be aware of the tides and currents, as they can be strong in some areas, especially Hoover Reservoir.
  • Wear a life jacket and sunscreen, and let someone know where you are going before you go.

Kayak fishing is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Columbus area and to catch some delicious fish. With a little planning, you can have a safe and enjoyable day on the water.