/ 
The benefits of kayaking for targeting pike
The kayak enables you to cover large areas quickly, following the edges, shoals and shallow bays where pike often hunt. Its low profile (no motor, shallow draught) allows close approaches to weedbeds, drowned trees and shallow coves, which increases the chances of catching fish wary of clear water.âeuros
Recommended equipment
A rod from 2 to 2.20 m, in medium-heavy to heavy power, offers good striking and safe control of big lures. A sturdy reel fitted with strong braid and a highly abrasion-resistant fluorocarbon leader limits the risk of cutting pike teeth.âeurosâeuros
Lures and seasonality
From spring to summer, pike tend to frequent shallow, vegetated areas, where surface lures, lightly leaded shads and spinnerbaits are very effective. From autumn to winter, they are more likely to be found near breaks and pits, which encourages the use of larger, leaded lures, pulled or slow-lineed close to the bottom.âeuros
Prospecting strategies
Kayaks lend themselves very well to power fishing: drift along banks or shoals, casting crankbaits, spinners and big shads to quickly locate active fish. In marked areas (drowned trees, tidal flats, backwaters, weirs), a slow approach with repeated passages allows you to insist on holding on to large fish.âeuros
Safety and organization on board
To fish safely for pike in a kayak, we strongly recommend wearing a vest, tying down your tackle and being vigilant against wind, current and boat traffic. In addition, a clear deck layout (few rods, a short skimmer and an accessible pair of pliers) reduces sudden movements in a fight and limits the risk of capsizing in the face of a big fish.
