Fishing out of a kayak is a fantastic outdoor adventure that is suitable for all anglers, regardless of experience. The sport allows you to fish in a variety of locations, including remote waters, shallow ends, and rivers.
A kayak, on the other hand, is less expensive, easier to use, and transport, and it helps you exercise while immersing yourself in nature.
However, there is a catch; you must first obtain the necessary equipment and learn the fundamentals before venturing out. Here, I’ll share some kayak fishing tips to get you started.
6 Beginner Kayak Fishing Tips
1. Invest in the right kayak
There is no perfect kayak for everyone. Each type is intended to work in a specific scenario. Some are suitable for rivers, while others are suitable for lakes, bays, streams, or the ocean. A good beginner fishing kayak should be very stable, which can be achieved by having a large cockpit.
Other factors to consider when selecting the best kayak for fishing include:
- People have differing opinions about the best kayak for fishing, so try it before you buy. As a result, you won’t be able to determine what is best for you solely based on online reviews and personal experience. You must try a variety of kayaks before deciding on one. Request demos from local dealers or rent kayaks until you find one that is comfortable and easy to maneuver.
- Consider the length and width of the kayak: most fishing kayaks are between 10 and 14 feet long. For beginners, shorter and wider ones are best. They’re simple to control and provide more stability on the water. You should also make sure the kayak has enough space to store tackle and mount fishing gear.
- Fishing kayaks are available in a variety of price ranges. Some are inexpensive, while others are costly. Don’t be too strict with your budget as a beginner; you will get what you pay for. Always go for the best kayak you can afford, as buying a cheaper one and upgrading later can be costly.
- Ensure that the kayak you purchase has comfortable seats, sonar mounting options, rails, and rod holders, among other features. It must also be transportable.
- Check out what other customers have to say about the company’s customer service. Also, purchase from a reputable company to receive after-sale assistance.
2. Get the necessary gear
A paddle
You’ll need a paddle to steer the kayak once you’ve got it. Invest in a kayak fishing paddle that fits the length and width of your kayak. Longer paddles are required for taller and wider boats, and vice versa.
Consider the paddle’s style and material in addition to its size. You should expect to pay more for a carbon fiber paddle that is lighter. They make steering the boat more enjoyable while reducing wrist and joint fatigue. If your budget doesn’t allow for it, opt for aluminum paddles with plastic blades. It’s also a lightweight and long-lasting option.
Paddle leash
If your kayak doesn’t come with one, consider purchasing one. As you fight for the catch, it secures the paddle to an eyelet or cleat.
Personal floatation device (PFD)
A well-fitting kayak fishing PFD, also known as a life jacket, is mandatory when out on the water. The fit should be snug enough to keep you safe while allowing you to move freely.
Purchase one that is specifically designed for angling and includes storage compartments. Some fishing tackle, such as lures, can be kept in the pockets to keep them close at hand.
Moisture-wicking clothes
When you’re out on the water, you should always dress appropriately. When kayak fishing, however, wear moisture-wicking clothing regardless of the weather. The clothing keeps you dry because you’ll be fishing closer to the water, which means you’re more likely to get wet.
Safety gear
Other safety equipment to bring when kayak fishing is listed below, in addition to the kayak fishing PFD:
- Dry bags– To keep your tools dry
- Water– To stay hydrated all day long
- Sunscreen and sunglasses– Protect you against harmful UV rays
- First Aid Kit- To help in case of injuries
- GPS– For navigation while fishing
- VHF radio– For signaling for rescue emergency and receiving updated weather reports
- Portable power bank– For charging your electronic devices such as camera, phones, and GPS unit
Anchor
Once you’ve found a great fishing spot, the anchor will help you stay put. It may be difficult to balance your kayak while fishing if you do not anchor it, especially in windy conditions.
3. Start with essential kayak fishing accessories
When you first start kayak fishing, you’ll be tempted to fill your kayak with every exciting kayak fishing accessory you can find. Don’t! Start with only the most essential fishing equipment, as having too much will confuse you, leave you with less space to work with, and ultimately get in the way.
Limit your options to:
- A kayak fish finder
- Two rods holders
- Kayak trolley
- Kayak cooler
- Outrigger stabilizer
- Kayak fault
- Pliers
- Line cutter
- A measuring board
- Safety gear
4. Take safety precautions
While you’re out kayaking, anything can happen. To keep yourself safe while kayak fishing, take the following precautions:
- Go with someone- When you first start kayak fishing, it’s best to go with someone who knows what they’re doing and can assist you in an emergency. They will also assist you in mastering the skills more quickly.
- Inform someone of your plans- Inform a friend or loved one of your adventure’s location and time. Tell them when you’ll be back so they can seek assistance if you don’t show up.
- Keep an eye on the weather- Weather can change quickly while you’re out on the water, so keep an eye on it. Avoid getting caught in a thunderstorm, which can be dangerous for any kayaker. Wear protective gear that will keep you safe if your kayak capsizes once more.
- Always be on the lookout- To avoid colliding with powerboats, you should always be on the lookout. Also, avoid boating in high-traffic areas and in dark or foggy conditions to stay safe. If you plan to kayak at night, make sure you have a 360-degree light to help you see better.
- Carry a straight blade and keep it close by- Keep a straight knife near your seat or PFD in case your fishing line or anchor gets tangled up in something. It enables you to quickly cut it free in order to keep your boat from flipping.
- Always choose kayak and paddle colors that are highly visible, such as red and orange. If not, increase visibility by using bright lights and flags, wearing reflective clothing and a PFD, and carrying a safety whistle.
- Wear your life jacket/PFD at all times—do not just carry it; wear it whenever you’re on the water. Even if you are a strong swimmer, an unplanned kayak flip can be deadly. Improve your kayaking abilities before bringing your fishing gear on board.
5. Before bringing your fishing gear on board, work on your kayaking skills
If you’re new to kayaking, go to a familiar body of water and practice paddling, anchoring, and positioning your kayak in all types of weather. Practicing these skills before embarking on a fishing trip will help you gain experience and confidence.
To avoid spooking the fish and becoming tired while fishing, practice paddling quietly and with minimal effort. It’s also a good idea to learn how to steer with one hand. This will assist you in fighting large fish while remaining on course or navigating the boat away from obstacles.
6. Research before going on your first kayak fishing adventure
After learning and mastering the five tips listed above, you are ready to begin kayak fishing.
But don’t leave until you’ve done the following research:
- Find a kayak fishing community near you- Connect with other anglers by attending online meetups and joining social media groups. The community will share advice to help you improve your angling skills.
- Kayak fishing location- To avoid wasting time on your D-day, research good fishing spots near you as well as the best route in and out of the water. Also, determine whether you will need a license to fish from that location and plan accordingly.
- Target species- Learn about the fish that will most likely be caught in your preferred location. This will assist you in understanding the proper technique and baits, as well as the best time to go fishing.
Final Thoughts
You’re all set to go on your first angling adventure now that you’ve read the above kayak fishing tips. You might have some difficulties at first, but believe me when I say that it will be worth it! It gets easier with practice.
About the author:
Name: Ally Mash
Bio: Ally is a wilderness explorer who has backpacked throughout South America, Iceland, and Europe. He loves sharing his adventures with others at Adventures Pursuit because he believes that everyone should be in the mindset of protecting our planet’s beauty as much they can!