Online Kayak Fishing Communities
From Mod Mania
The Kayak has long been a used as a method to both transport an individual and to access grounds. Recently, however, the popularity of using a Kayak rather than boat to fish from has increased. This surge in interest can be attributed to a variety of issues such as with the tightening of government laws on boat fishing 1, the increasing difficulty to catch large numbers of fish by boat, ease of entry into the sport (Kayaks can be purchased inexpensively and have little maintenance costs), the ability to store kayaks in small spaces and the capacity to launch it quicker than a powered boat. The sport can also be enjoyed in both fresh and salt water, especially in warmer regions.
Originally developed by indigenous people living in the Arctic regions, kayaks where used to hunt on inland lakes, rivers and the coastal waters of the Arctic Ocean, North Atlantic, Bering Sea and North Pacific oceans. These first kayaks were constructed from stitched animal skins such as seal stretched over a wooden frame made from collected driftwood, as many of the areas of their construction were treeless. Today, most kayaks made for fishing are rotationally molded from polyethylene due to their durability and lower cost. Generally, kayak fishermen look for stable and comfortable designs. Further development of Kayaks has lead to innovations such as kayaks propelled by flippers or propellers.
This surge in popularity has led to the formation of online communities such as Australian Kayak Fishing Forum, Kayak Fishing Down Under, Yakabout and YakFishWest. A large aspect of this online community revolves around reporting most adventures. Upon returning from a trip members submit a ‘trip report’. These reports provide a synopsis of the adventure in explicit detail with writers including location, tackle used, fish caught and sometimes even an hour-by-hour report of the day’s progress. The quality of report can be judged by the amount of views and comments it generates. The better reports, which generally include pictures, generate around 400 views (some may even have up to 1000 views) and over 50 comments. Comments revolve around congratulating the author on their effort to not only catch the fish but the way they convey their experience in words. Just like a good book, well-written reports have the ability to transport the reader into that moment. The adrenalin and excitement of the adventure can be easily received allowing fellow users of the forum to live the experience vicariously through the narrative. In doing so these reports gain a greater importance; not only do they excite fellow members but they also inspire. Most readers feel the need to make the same trip themselves some stating “I'll definately have to give scarby a fish soon” 2 to experience the same adrenalin and excitement first hand. This in turn will generate another narrative reinforcing the need for a website to share such adventures. Thus the recounting of narratives is much more than a good read it ensures the survival of the community.
Another defining part of online Kayak Fishing communities is the presentation of each individuals kayak. These usually exist under a ‘Kayak Showroom' 3 subcategory and include a short description of the kayak and pictures. This part of the forum gives the opportunity for each member to show off. No matter how big or small, each member has something that distinguishes his or her kayak from the rest. Viewers look on with admiration, applauding individuality and originality. This may include a new way of mounting a 2 Hp outboard to the back of the kayak, a new rod mount or just simply developing an ingenious solution to creating a live well tank. Whatever the Kayak someone has always got something new to show. The presentation of each kayak in this way may be regarded as a may for each member to compete within his or her own community. They subconsciously challenge each other to see who can present the best and efficient fish catching device. This friendly competition encourages the development of better technology, which may in turn encourage the popularity of the sport. On a more global level the forums encourage the growth of the kayak industry. Each member usually lists where he or she purchased their kayak from and its associated accessories.
New members play an integral role to this developing community; it is them who determine the survival of the various online communities. Because the sport has such a small community each member is willing to accept new recruits so much so that there usually is a sense of excitement whenever a new member is revealed. Each forum usually has a subcategory devoted to people starting out fishing from a kayak for the first time. In these categories simple questions such as type of kayak to get; sit on or sit in, best spots to kayak and best time, are usually asked. Older members are eager to get new members up and running as soon as possible. There are never any secrets and best spots and ‘tricks of the trade’ are frequently shared in an effort to make the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Even thought there isn’t any explicit power relations, as demonstrated on various forums, the location in which an individual chooses to fish provides a strong sense of their level of experience and hence the level of experience. Beginners tend to fish calmer, more accessible waters such as rivers and lakes choosing good, “calm” days 4. More experienced anglers tend to tackle more isolated sports with some even launching kayaks from larger boats well offshore so they can play game fish from the kayak. The excitement and adrenaline experienced when fighting a game fish as it pulls the kayak through the water is often mentioned 5. In saying this, it is not to say that experienced anglers keep only to the open seas. Many a times experienced members mention their favorite spot being that calm place amongst structure with a small lure and light gear, using their skill and experience to snag a bream or that elusive jungle perch 6.
In conclusion, the sport of Kayak fishing has exploded onto the fishing scene with much excitement. The various government regulations and associated benefits to the sport have helped add momentum to its popularity. Online communities such as Australian Kayak Fishing Forum, Kayak Fishing Down Under, Yakabout and YakFishWest provide a way to collate this momentum and excitement and deliver it on a global scale. At this present stage the Kayak fishing community is still rather small and it is though the harnessing of this information that ensures the survival of such a new and stimulating sport.
References & Footnotes
1. From the 2nd of March a Recreational Fishing from Boat License is required to undertake any general fishing activity conducted with the use of a powered boat anywhere in the State to help improve the management of Western Australia’s recreational fisheries.
2. Evoids (2010, March 31). QLD Andybear Scarborough, and first for year [Msg 3]. Message posted to http://www.akff.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=37970
3. http://www.akff.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=71
4. FazerPete (2010, April 7). Pacer Yakes – How far is too far? [Msg 2]. Message posted to http://www.akff.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=38124&p=396818&hilit=good%2Ccalm+day#p396818
5. Fihlips (2010, March 27). QLD 26KG Spanish Mackeral Calundra [Msg 1]. Message posted to http://www.akff.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=37859
6. ringo (2010, April 5). QLD: Hooray! I popped my Jungle Perch cherry [Msg 1]. Message posted to http://www.akff.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=38089&p=396584&hilit=cherry#p396370
