How to Become a Kayak Fishing Guide: Step-by-Step Guide

 

Kayaking is an adventurous sport that is gradually becoming popular worldwide. If you take people to kayak fishing and they always catch fish, the decision to become a guide makes sense. One can become either a part-time or full-time kayak fishing guide. Before anything, you must get all the necessary certifications and clearance to become a kayak fishing guide.
  
Here we are discussing everything you need to know on how to become a kayak fishing guide.

Perfect Your Kayaking Skills 

Having good kayaking skills is necessary for a guide. They have to know all types of strokes, kayaking techniques, properly gripping a kayak and so on. To become a professional kayak fishing guide, you need to develop the followings properly-

• Gripping paddles for proper strokes
• Moving straight with a forward stroke
• Backing up or slowing down with reverse stroke
• Sweep stroke for turning
• Scooting sideways with a draw stroke
  
• Being physically fit

Get Necessary Certification

For pursuing your career as a kayak fishing guide, you need to meet some essential requirements-

• Must be at least 18 years old and a full member of the American Canoe Association (ACA) and should take some courses.
• To join the ACA Safety, Education and Instruction Council (SEIC). They offer kayak instruction program with certification on a different level.
• Then, one must get first aid and CPR certifications.
• Have to gain other skills like rescue ability, group management, technical expertise, interpersonal skills and so on. 

Identifying the Necessary Equipment

To become a kayak fishing guide, you must have proper ideas on these necessary equipment- 

• Need to have a solo or two-person canoe to instruct others.
• Then, add rigging equipment with rod holders, anchor trolleys, anchors, drift chutes, etc.
• To equip each kayak with one paddle based on kayak width, lightweight, shaft size and blade choice.
• For tackling, two rods and reels per person ranging from light to medium weight.
• For different sections of water, you know to use lures ranging from plugs to jigs.
• Should know about electronics like- fish finder, GPS, camera and other electronics.  

Ensure Safety Equipment

PFD, whistles, air horns, and other safety equipment are the most important. Floatation bags can prevent kayaks from capsizing. Spray skirts can give waterproof barriers. As a kayak fishing guide, you must also keep a first aid kit.
Based on the place, you can take the fly tackle and freshwater gear. Since most of the time will be spent outdoors, one must also have a storage box, drinks, food, drinking water and other equipment.

 Get Liability Insurance

Liability insurance can protect against personal injury and property damages. Kayaking on water has great challenges and accident probability. So, it is useful to have the insurance if anglers are injured or kayaks are damaged or stolen. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What are the courses ACA offers?
A. ACA offers skills courses, skills assessments, certifications, endorsements and paddle-sports safety facilitator.

Q. What are the certification levels?
R: From the ACA paddling class, one can get various instructor certification levels ranging from Level 1 (L1) to Level 5 (L1). An L5 instructor can give training on all certification levels.

Final Remarks-

Kayak fishing is less expensive alternative to boat fishing. But becoming a kayak fishing guide professionally is a costly venture. You can look for sponsors in the beginning and purchase discounted gear and equipment. Alongside, the above steps may help you become a kayak fishing guide.