FAQ
I've never been in a kayak before. Will I tip over? Can I try kayaking before a guided trip?
Small Craft Outfitters uses FeelFree Lure 11.5 kayaks for guided trips. These kayaks are known for their comfort and stability. Though tipping (turtling) is a possibility, these kayaks provide the perfect stable, comfortable fishing platform for our adventures. We offer basic fishing kayak information and paddling classes so you can try it before booking your adventure. Please see the Kayak Fishing Basics page for more information.
Where do we fish?
We fish several small lakes, reservoirs, sloughs, and similar waters in the Western Wisconsin area including Spring Valley, Nelson, and Durand. These are perfect for kayak fishing. For your safety, we only take confirmed advanced paddlers on rivers or larger lakes. Our guides prefer the small lakes, reservoirs, and sloughs to avoid boat traffic. This also leads to the key benefit of kayak fishing, fishing low-pressure areas other craft cannot reach.
My phone/camera does not float and I don't want to risk losing it, how do I document the experience?
How does the guide service work?
What if it rains on our parade?
This is Wisconsin, after all. We will not paddle in thunder, lightning, or other unsafe conditions. I have caught some of my best fish in the rain. You can choose to fish in the rain (bring your own rain gear). If the conditions are unsafe or you choose not to fish in the rain, you can get a full refund (including deposit) or reschedule for another available date.
Are there age restrictions?
Yes, for safety, children must be at least 10 years of age to participate in guided kayak fishing adventures.
Small Craft Outfitters uses FeelFree Lure 11.5 kayaks for guided trips. These kayaks are known for their comfort and stability. Though tipping (turtling) is a possibility, these kayaks provide the perfect stable, comfortable fishing platform for our adventures. We offer basic fishing kayak information and paddling classes so you can try it before booking your adventure. Please see the Kayak Fishing Basics page for more information.
Where do we fish?
We fish several small lakes, reservoirs, sloughs, and similar waters in the Western Wisconsin area including Spring Valley, Nelson, and Durand. These are perfect for kayak fishing. For your safety, we only take confirmed advanced paddlers on rivers or larger lakes. Our guides prefer the small lakes, reservoirs, and sloughs to avoid boat traffic. This also leads to the key benefit of kayak fishing, fishing low-pressure areas other craft cannot reach.
My phone/camera does not float and I don't want to risk losing it, how do I document the experience?
- You are more than welcome to take photo/video with your phones or cameras (this is at your own risk of losing or damaging them)
- We appreciate if you tag us on social media (our social media links are at the bottom of our webpage)
- Our guide has a phone equipped for the sport to take photos during the adventure
- The guide has an action camera mounted on their kayak to capture the adventure
- Photos and video are done at no charge and posted online for you to download after the trip
- It can take 1-2 weeks depending on duration of video and number of pictures
How does the guide service work?
- Request an adventure by filling out a request form
- We will contact you to confirm availability, answer any questions you have, and book the date
- Once you book a date, the deposit is required to hold the booking (all deposits must be made within 7 calendar days or the booking could be taken by another client)
- We will contact you to learn more about your paddling experience and other aspects of the sport interest you
- Based on your information, weather, your location, and fishing reports, we will suggest a location
- You will meet your guide at the determined location on the time/date of your booking
- If you are on an advanced paddler river trip, we will further discuss the float plan and transportation from the takeout point
What if it rains on our parade?
This is Wisconsin, after all. We will not paddle in thunder, lightning, or other unsafe conditions. I have caught some of my best fish in the rain. You can choose to fish in the rain (bring your own rain gear). If the conditions are unsafe or you choose not to fish in the rain, you can get a full refund (including deposit) or reschedule for another available date.
Are there age restrictions?
Yes, for safety, children must be at least 10 years of age to participate in guided kayak fishing adventures.