The Ultimate Beginners Kayak Fishing Guide (Easy to Follow)

Kayak fishing is a fantastic way to combine two activities for more enjoyment, excitement, and activity. Kayaks may help fishermen catch more fish, travel more quickly, view more of the natural world, and even get in a workout. We have gathered a number of advice to help you kayak fish better or start. If you are ready to go ahead with kayaking fishing, this article is for you. Take a look at the fishing ideas, and you will be able to get the most out of your experience.

What is kayaking fishing?

Kayak fishing, as the name indicates, is the activity of paddling into and across bodies of water while fishing from a kayak. Continue to read and we will be sharing more details on it with you. Then you can understand how to get the most out of your kayaking fishing adventures.

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Basics of Kayak Fishing

Kayak fishing is quite different from boat and canoe fishing in terms of technique. First off, whereas kayaking employs a double-bladed paddle, canoe fishing uses a single paddle. To avoid having your kayak flip over or turning around before reaching your objective, it is crucial to paddle properly. Below is a video that will assist you with this:

Knowing the rules

Various bodies of water are subject to different rules. Even lakes with the strictest regulations sometimes permit kayaks and stand-up paddleboards as long as they aren’t powered in any way. Make sure you are familiar with the rules before going anywhere near water. Kayakers must be aware of boating activities since many bodies of water may demand the wearing or carrying of a PFD (lifejacket), may not permit the use of a trolling engine, or may permit all sorts of boating.

Decide on Your First Kayak

Here is a comprehensive guide on selecting a fishing kayak, but we’ve also included some ideas for you to think about:

• Pedal vs. Paddle

For fishing, pedal kayaks are fantastic. Compared to one-handed paddling, they make it considerably simpler for fishermen to move while holding a rod. A pedal system over a paddle system will need more room in kayaks, which will increase their cost and weight. The majority of skilled kayak fishermen ultimately switch to pedal kayaks.

• Kayaks that you sit on

This kayak is the most popular option for novices since it gives them stability and is made with fishermen’ comfort in mind. Additionally, because of its versatility, various kinds of fisherman may alter the kayak to best suit their needs for catching animals. This kayak is available in several versions, many of which are quite reasonably priced.

• Inflatable kayaks for fishing

An inflatable fishing kayak can be the answer if you’re having financial trouble starting to fish from one. This is due to the fact that you may save money by forgoing the purchase of a kayak rack and just fitting one inside your vehicle after deflating it. They still have many of the qualities that other kayaks have and have little to no disadvantages for your fishing expeditions, which makes them an even better option.

There are other more kayak models, so do your homework to choose which one is perfect for your fishing expeditions. After describing the various kayaks, you may use, it’s time to provide you with some advice that will help you become a better kayak fisherman.

• Think about Transport

How to get the kayak to your fishing location may provide you with the largest challenge. A truck is the best vehicle for moving a large kayak. However, it could be difficult to properly put the kayak inside the vehicle due to its construction. A kayak rack may rescue the day in this situation.

Different kinds of kayak racks are created by manufacturers for various cars. You can locate the finest kayak racks for trucks or other vehicles that are designed with your travel requirements if you do some research.

If you drive a compact car, a 14-foot kayak could not be an option for you. To avoid this, just consider the size in relation to your transport vehicle. For simpler transportation, those who don’t have a big car or who can’t afford a rack may wish to buy an inflatable kayak.

• Kayak design variations

Long kayaks are probably not essential if you are fishing on a small lake or river. Kayaks that are shorter and broader are better suited for this use. Whether it is a sit-in or sit-on variation should also be known. For placing fishing anchors, the latter is more practical. Your search for a kayak will be significantly influenced by the sorts of water you will be fishing in.

• Budget

Kayak prices range from about $200 to over $2000. More expensive kayaks will perform better, be lighter, and have more fishing amenities. Cheaper kayaks will be lacking in a number of features and superior construction. Prioritizing features and limiting your alternatives will be easier if you are aware of your budget in advance.

Tips for Kayak Fishing

• Adapt for Comfort

We all know that fishing takes time, even for experienced fishermen. Long lengths of time spent within a tight place may be extremely unpleasant and stressful, particularly if the weather or the fish aren’t cooperative.

Therefore, it is advised that you adjust your kayak for comfort. Install some raised chairs so you can sit comfortably and view further. Spend money on a paddle holder. Before getting on the water, fine-tune the settings on your kayak and seat. To improve the comfort of your boat, add extras like foot rests, rod holders, and paddle holders.

• Develop Your One-Handed Paddle

It could take some getting used to if you are accustomed to fishing from the bank of rivers, streams, or lakes. The distance between the water and the sitting surface is often rather small. You must be able to paddle with one hand and cast with the other. Because of this, the most skilled fisherman can throw and paddle with only one hand. Keep in mind that if you choose a pedal-powered kayak, this ability is no longer essential.

In order to utilize your paddle like a canoe paddle, you need also get in the habit of locking the shaft of your paddle along your forearm.

• Select Your Ideal Paddle.

Making the right paddle choice will have a significant impact on your capacity for efficient distance travel. The length is often calculated using a formula that takes into account your height, kayak width, and paddling style. Advanced kayak fishermen will be aware of all their requirements.

Kayak safety knowledge

In kayaking, safety is of the first importance. Waterproof radios and personal floatation devices (PFD) are needed. The personal locating beacon is another useful tool that gathers personal information by pinpointing your position, whether it on a boat or a mountain.

When you start kayaking, your first job should be to tell someone about your excursion and where you are. next make sure you understand how to operate the radio and fit into the PFD. First, test your ability to maintain stability in shallow water. Additionally, research the weather, islands, other boat traffic, tides, and your route in your kayaking region. You are safer the more you understand.

Kayak attire

Remember that you should always prepare to get wet since this is a water activity. Water will splash at you from every direction, even if you never flip over or dive into the water. On windy days, this is particularly the case. Therefore, it is better to stay away from heavy clothing like cotton and thick layers. Wear wicking fabrics that will wick away sweat, carry layers that are windproof and waterproof, and be ready for colder conditions than you would anticipate. Even in unexpectedly mild weather, the combination of wind and water may result in hypothermic conditions. This might imply that a wet suit or dry suit is required for safety, depending on the weather.

The other crucial aspect of kayaking when wearing sunscreen. Kayakers are highly exposed to the sun, thus you should always wear sunscreen, clothes with sun protection ratings, sunglasses, and a cap while going on an expedition on the water.

Rod-Holding Methods

For the finest information on this topic, see our fishing kayak setup guide. However, it is essential to fishing success and lowering irritation. Be sure to plan out precisely how you’ll paddle and store your rods. Your rods should be close at hand but out of the way while you’re paddling. You should be able to set them aside and swiftly store them without fumbling. Rod holders are a great alternative for this.

• Utilize The Water for Your Benefit

Kayaks may provide you with more access to the water than other boats or shore-based fishermen. Make use of this to your advantage. You can go a long way and enter areas of shallow water, canals, and troll sites where others couldn’t. To increase your chances of success, use this in your fishing strategy. Attempt to go where others would fail.

• Make a route and day in advance plans.

Fishermen often want to visit newer sites in an effort to catch larger and better fish. But it’s never a smart idea to just go into a strange location without knowing anything about it. Examine the paths and hotspots where fish are often seen and confirm if the weather is suitable for venturing out into the water. Utilize fishing apps to learn more about the fish and ecosystem in the destination region. Make a travel plan in advance. Your path should make it possible for you to keep track of your progress and avoid becoming tired on the way back. It is crucial to plan according to tides, currents, and wind directions. You should be aware of where in the body of water you wish to fish. You may be able to pre-load your path into a fish finder, phone, or GPS device. If you still have a lengthy paddle ahead of you, be aware of your turnaround time. In case anything goes wrong, be aware of safety exits.

• Put on the appropriate accessories.

You’ve chosen your kayak, which is already half the fight won. The exciting phase is now selecting your new toy’s attire and getting ready for a day on the water. Here is a list of things you should think about before picking up your paddle.

• Put on safety gear.

Not to worry! Although it’s unlikely that anything will go wrong during your fishing trip, safety and comfort should be at the top of your packing list since every boater understands it’s better to be ready for everything. In light of this, a PFD is crucial. A whistle, flares, gloves, a flashlight (even if you don’t intend to go out at night), a first aid kit, a paddle leash, a fishing rod leash, and an emergency kayak repair kit are other equipment that every boater ought to carry. To ensure that nothing is forgotten, you may store all of these materials in a waterproof case or backpack that you can simply grab whenever you go kayaking.

• Protect your skin

You are exposed to the elements when paddling. While kayaking has its appeal because of the breeze in your hair and the scent of the ocean, you don’t want to go overboard. Using skin protection can keep you comfortable and long-term healthy throughout your journey. Pack insect repellent, water-resistant sunscreen, clothes that will protect you from the sun, a hat, and sunglasses.

• Bring a lot of food and water.

Drink a lot of water the day before your travel to prevent dehydration. Pack a couple water bottles and some lean proteins and fruit for snacks while fishing.

• Bring an anchor.

One thing most novice kayakers often forget is an anchor. The lightweight, small-sized folding anchor is a suitable option. An anchor is convenient to store, will keep you still, and will lessen tiredness.

• Bring fishing equipment.

Nets, gloves, line cutters, pliers, and other tools are used in the fish handling process. If you’re just starting out fishing, think about crimping the barbs on your hooks since fish unhooking is a talent in and of itself. When handling fish with pointy fins or teeth, gloves are helpful. A set of pliers will be useful unless you caught a fish with a soft lip, like a trout, from which you may simply remove the hook with your fingers. Look for a pair that you can attach to your personal flotation device or think about getting a multi-tool for survival. When bringing the fish up to the kayak, nets come in handy for collecting the catch. By doing this, you may ease the pressure on your capture by leaving the fish partially submerged.

Final words

Kayak fishing is a fun and thrilling activity that also provides a wonderful physical exercise. Before you go out on your next kayak fishing adventure, be sure to give our advice a try.