Group: Newbies
Posts: 8
Member No.: 20162
Joined: January 16, 2023
Hi folks, I recently got a tandem sit-on-top kayak that I'm rigging for fishing. Nothing too fancy, its essentially a recreational tandem that has a few moulded-in rod holders. I'm adding trolling motor (modified for stern mount) and rigging steering pedals. Some tracks and accessary mounts for good measure, plus anchor trolley. Should be a fun project over the next few months while i wait for end of hardwater season, and transition to open water.
Once that's done, there's the question of getting it out on the open water and getting used to it. I've never really kayak fished before, so I'm wondering where would be a good place to start that's within a couple hours of Toronto. Can anyone recommend places that are kayak friendly? Not looking for anyone's honey holes, just general recommendations for places that are easy to park and unload/load, and reasonably safe water (always weather-dependent of course). I'd prefer not to pay through the nose for Simcoe area parking (though I'm thinking Simcoe might not be a good place to practice in any case since conditions can turn on a dime there).
I'd appreciate any tips to from our seasoned veterans .
Group: Members
Posts: 5360
Member No.: 50
Joined: February 10, 2011
To launch and practice your kayak as a newbie, I recommend west side of Simcoe's Cooks Bay in Lefroy, Innisfil. Launch your kayak at Killarney Beach Park just outside of Mono-Reno Marina, and park your vehicle for free by south side of Killarney Beach Road (within 100 yard from launch). There is a huge area of shallow water within 10 feet deep from the launch. And you can even catch some panfish (perch, sunfish, rock bass) and pike...:-)
Group: Newbies
Posts: 8
Member No.: 20162
Joined: January 16, 2023
Xiaolu, Thanks so much for the detailed response. Super helpful!!! I'll give it a shot when the water opens up (and maybe warms up too, LOL). Would love to catch a pike while practicing
Group: Members
Posts: 3289
Member No.: 10648
Joined: January 17, 2016
Good report James....some advice....look at the weather prior to traveling for the specific area you will be kayaking. A really good detailed weather site is windy.com.......dont purchase anything just stay on the free app. Pay very close attention to the wind. A offshore wind being best as the waves will be lighter. In this case you will be looking for a West wind. The wind for beginner should be no more than 10 mph and gusts 15 to 20. On windy .com you can check these readings and much more as you learn to use it. Once you get used to the kayak and water you can feel if you are comfortable to move up to stronger winds, pending on your kayaks behaviour in the wind.
Group: Members
Posts: 179
Member No.: 1194
Joined: January 17, 2012
Adding you can kayak in creeks/rivers where the flow is not too much so you can travel each direction from where you launch. I’m in Durham region and kayak creeks now to maybe early June while the water is up and vegetation low. Can avoid wind issues on a bigger lake. Not usually fishing though.
Newbie kayak angler, reasonably safe places to practice 
