Tips for Fishing by Kayak

Here’s What You Need To Know

Whether it’s accessing locations on the water not reachable by larger vessels, the ability to launch without needing a boat ramp, or simple economics, there are myriad reasons why fishing from a kayak continues to gain popularity.

And let’s not forget that using a kayak is one of the only ways to get exercise while fishing.

According to Statista Research, nearly 20 million U.S. residents used a kayak in 2023, a rise from just over 18 million in 2020. While fishing from a kayak is not segmented in the research, recreational kayaking is by far the most popular activity, and it’s not too far a reach to assume that fishing is one of the driving factors.

From an economic perspective, kayaks are a budget-friendly alternative to power boats, which are traditionally costly and require registration, licensing, insurance, and other fees. Fishing kayaks come in a broad spectrum of price points, but highly rated models can be found for $US500-$US1,000. 

That said, the choices for the right kayak for beginners and the proper equipment can be daunting. Along with the rise in popularity,  the number of choices in terms of what type of kayak to purchase (paddle-powered vs. pedal-powered, for example), the best gear to use for kayak fishing, and even safety equipment options have exploded.

Fishbox is here to help guide you with tips on choosing the best kayaks for fishing, the most helpful gear to carry, and how to fish from them. 

Making The Right Choices

Let’s start with figuring out the right type of kayak to buy. It comes down to personal preferences. Over the past few years, equipment manufacturers have developed fishing-specific kayaks, which are typically wider and longer than those used just for recreation.

The first question you need to ask yourself is how the kayak will be used most of the time. Freshwater, saltwater, ponds, lakes, rivers? Secondly, how will the kayak typically be launched? From the back of the truck, shoreline, dockside, etc. Lastly,  what is the minimum amount of onboard storage space you’ll need?

From there, you’ll have to decide on a sit-on-top fishing kayak or a sit-inside fishing kayak. 

Most kayak anglers prefer the sit-on-top variety of kayaks, which allows them to easily add accessories and enable them to get out and wade when necessary. Don’t expect to stay completely dry when using a sit-on-top kayak. The alternative is a sit-inside fishing kayak, or “cockpit” style kayak. The cockpit boats are great when fishing in colder water and can provide a much drier ride. And, since you’re down inside the boat, your center of gravity is lower, and stability is often improved. But getting in and out is often tricky, should you decide to wade.

Most purpose-built fishing kayaks now feature one or two-rod holders and are wider and more stable than recreational kayaks. Also, keep in mind that the longer the kayak is, the faster it may be on the water, but it is more difficult to load/unload from vehicles. Many beginners start with 10-foot kayaks, weighing approximately 50-60 pounds. 

(NOTE: For beginners, we suggest going with a paddle-powered fishing kayak over a pedal-powered model for simplicity’s sake.) 

Once you’ve made your choice of the right kayak for your needs, it’s time to gear up the right equipment and accessories.

Gearing up typically starts with a personal floatation device (PFD). Models from NRS, Astral, or Kokatat are highly regarded, not only for their ability to keep anglers afloat should they capsize but also for their many pockets to keep accessories (lures, knives, etc.).

Read also: Top 5 Trout Fishing Gear Essentials

Along with the PFD, the proper paddle (based on the angler’s height and width of the kayak) is typically the next decision. Most retailers will be able to match the anglers with the right paddle, but like most fishing equipment, there are many options. We suggest that beginners start with paddles featuring aluminum shafts with either fiberglass or carbon-fiber blades. Both are durable and lightweight.

Mini downriggers are also a sound investment in fishing in deeper water for larger fish. Kayak anglers primarily use them to target fish at precise depths while trolling. Downrigger designs vary widely, but all are built around large spools with wire cable or strong, braided lines that attach to arms that hang over the side of the kayak. Attached to the end of the line or cable is a large lead weight varying from 3- or 6-pound weights.

Placement of the downrigger on the kayak is key; check with other anglers to see what works for them or review the myriad social media posts available.

Once those three items have been selected, those who fish from a kayak often purchase waterproof, floatable boxes to secure their valuables, such as their cell phones and wallets. Keeping valuables in a sealable plastic bag or pouch is another option, but they don’t provide the same level of security as the purpose-built accessories.  

Beginner kayak anglers should also consider claw anchors when fishing in moving water, and a 360-degree Coast Guard-approved light is also recommended. Other optional accessories to consider include navigational and fish finders (sonar/GPS) devices.

In terms of kayak-specific fishing gear, it’s best to start with a very scaled down tackle box, with just a few jigs and lures, along with 6-7-foot medium action rods (since long casting is not typically necessary), long-handled, rubberized nets, floating fish baskets, and for many, rod leashes. 

Dress For Success

Like most activities when you’re on the water, the name of the game is staying as dry–and in some cases, as warm– as possible. Being cold and wet is no way to spend an enjoyable day on the water, no matter how successful you are in catching fish from your kayak.

[Note: Keep in mind that a PFD is not an optional piece of clothing and should be the first consideration when purchasing gear for fishing from a kayak.] 

Assuming you’re going to be kayak fishing in temperate climates, the rule of thumb is to dress in layers. While a bathing suit or board shorts are sound starting points, the next layer should be a suitable rash guard or looser water shirt made of polyester or nylon blended with Lycra spandex.

Mid- and outer-layer clothing is dependent on your local climate. In most scenarios, bringing a fleece jacket or other warm, synthetic mid-layer makes sense, especially when embarking in the morning. If you expect any exposure to significant rain or wind, go with a quality waterproof/breathable jacket and rain pants. Purpose-built paddling jackets are nice because they’re designed to keep water out, but if you don’t expect significant rain, a breathable/water-resistant shell can work fine.

For footwear, neoprene paddling booties are optimal because they’re lightweight, water-ready, and protect toes and the bottoms of feet. Any footwear that does the same will also work. Avoid flip-flops or sandals; they typically fall off too easily.

Lastly, broad-brimmed hats for sun protection and paddling gloves to help avoid blisters are also good choices.

Read also: The Best Time to Fish: A Guide to Fishing Seasons and Optimal Times for a Great Catch

Other Tips For Fishing From a Kayak

Safety First: Let friends and family know where you’re planning to fish from a kayak and your expected departure and return time.

Safety Second: Speak with as many locals as possible to learn the best places to fish in a specific locale and, perhaps as importantly, which areas to avoid.

Utilize the Fishbox App: The app is a great tool for scouting locations and researching fishing spots before stepping foot in your kayak. It will also be helpful if you get a basic understanding of the tides and current patterns in your area, as they can affect fish behavior.

Loading and Unloading: There are many variables associated with this topic, but one of the main reasons to get a sub-100 pound kayak is mobility. There are many tools for lifting and placing kayaks in the back of trucks or on top of vehicles, along with sleds for dragging them once you’ve reached your destination. A little research will go a long way with this topic.

Master Your Paddling: Before venturing out to fish, practice both your body positioning and strokes. Sitting in the center of the kayak, maintaining a relaxed grip on the paddle shaft, and learning how to move (and stay) forward are critically important.

(Note: Many fishing/boating outfitters in major metro areas around the country offer kayak fishing lessons for both general usage as well as lessons for catching specific types of fish, such as smallmouth bass. Anglers can choose to meet instructions at their preferred locales or come to where the lessons are being taught.)

Tackle the Tackle Box: Since storage space will be at a premium in your fishing kayak, remove all the unnecessary gear, leaving only the bare minimum equipment (lures, jigs, braided line, hooks, and tools needed for cutting, etc.) from your traditional tackle box and looking for a floatable box for your kayak fishing expeditions while you’re at it.

Casting Call: Instead of relying on long, inaccurate casts, focus on getting closer to your desired target and use short, precise casts. Getting close to targets and accessing spots others can’t are two of the key benefits of fishing from a kayak. Another technique worth trying is drift casting, which uses the prevailing current to your advantage by drifting over promising spots while casting.

Hooking up: The level of difficulty when landing a fish from a kayak depends on the size of the fish. If you’ve hooked a monster lake trout, for example, you’re going to need two hands: one to de-hook the fish and another to bring it onto the kayak. It’s tricky but can be mastered with practice. Smaller fish can simply be netted and deposited on the kayak.

Conclusion

Fishing from a kayak is a wonderful opportunity for those looking to expand their fishing horizons. Its popularity is booming thanks to a new interest in personal wellness and exercise—imagine getting exercise while fishing!—along with the ability to reach those fishing “honey holes” spots not accessible by large, powered vessels or, sometimes, even on foot.

We’re all looking for new challenges and adventures when it comes to our outdoor experiences; fishing from a kayak provides just that and more.