Competition Tactics – Lake X
Most kayak fishing competitions here in Sweden are two specie competitions. Usually the target is both Perch and Pike. Most commonly the aim for a one day or two day competition would be 3 pike and 5 perch to fill the scoreboard.
Many competitions are also so-called lake X competitions which means that we don’t know the lake or location beforehand. We usually meet up at a camp site or hotel and then drive together to an undisclosed lake.
What species we are fishing and the fact that I don’t know anything about the fishing spot when getting there are the two main drivers for my lake X competition tactics.
First of all catching 3 pike and 5 perch in a lot of lakes is not very easy when you don’t have any previous information about the location, so what I always try to do, at least in the start is to try to locate areas that hold both species. In summer time this could for example be transition points with vegetation or medium deep weed lines. Later in the year as the vegetation starts to wither I would usually fish quite deep spots.
My second tip would also be to fish baits in a size and shape that would attract both species. I like to fish smaller soft plastics and bladed jigs for example.
No rules without exception, however. My third tip would be to adjust throughout the day. To get a good result in any competition you need to adjust all the time. Sometimes water and fish are not easy to read, and fish could be hiding in other places then usual. You also need to adjust according to your own results. If you already have 5 perch but no pike bites you need to chase them down, perhaps by using bigger baits. So, make sure to stay alert and adjust your tactics during the entire competition.
If you haven’t been to a competition in Sweden but are curious about it, please contact me. I am happy to tell you more about it!
If you are interested in learning more about kayak fishing competitions in Sweden I would also recommend reading kajakfiskemagasinet.se for the latest news about all competitions. Another tip would also be reaching out to the Swedish Kayak Fishing Club. They arrange meet ups as well as competitions.
