Everyone knows that fish often like to hang out around structure, and one of the most common forms of structure you’ll find in many waterways is deadfall. What many anglers don’t realize, however, is just how effective it is to fish not next to the deadfall, but actually inside of that tangle of branches.
With big boats this simply isn’t an option, but kayaks and small boats can literally park in the branches. Forget about anchoring and instead just tie off to a limb. Then, rather than casting, hold your rod out in the brush and drop straight down.
This is a highly effective tactic wherever trees are laying in the water, but there are also a few notes of caution. First off, watch your rods when you enter the deadfall zone. Branches stretching overhead have a nasty habit of grabbing the tips of rods that are in vertical holders, and sometimes they can break them off. Second, the same goes when setting the hook. You might be able to sneak your rod tip into a hole but if you jerk that rod up into an overhanging branch, ouch. Third, expect you’ll encounter plenty of snags doing this. Come prepared with extra tackle and when you snag multiple times in one area, shift your rod away from it to find an open hole.
Also remember that quite often, when you first arrive and tie off there’s a good chance you’ll spook the fish. After tying off it’s a good idea to sit quietly for 10 or 15 minutes and let the fish settle down. Same goes if you snag a flexible branch and stir things up trying to break off or get your lure back. And finally, if there are any big fish around it might make sense to upsize your gear a bit. You’ll want to get those fish up into the kayak or boat fast, before they have a chance wrap your line up. Still, put up with these difficulties, and you’ll discover that fishing in the deadfall can be far more productive than casting around it.