Imagine gliding silently across the water, surrounded by nature’s beauty, with only the sound of lapping waves and the occasional splash of a jumping fish.
Welcome to the exciting world of kayak fishing! Whether you’re a professional angler looking for a new adventure or a complete beginner eager to explore the waters, kayak fishing offers a unique and immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and your favorite fishing spots. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started with kayak fishing, from choosing the right kayak to mastering essential techniques.
Why Kayak Fishing Instead of Others Fishing Techniques?
Kayak fishing brings several advantages to the fisherman:
- New Experience: Practicing kayak fishing means discovering new biotopes, implementing new techniques, and having a different approach. Whether you are fishing in the sea or freshwater, using a fishing kayak will greatly expand your prospecting area.
- Inexpensive: It is a trendy outdoor sport with certain freedom and it remains inexpensive compared to the price of a boat. You can buy a good quality fishing kayak for 300 to 100 dollars. Kayak fishing is also absolutely quiet and has remarkable stability compared to a Fishing float tube.
- Easy to Transport: It is easily transportable on a car roof or even you can carry in a backpack for inflatable models. No need for a motor in a kayak, whether it is propelled by paddles or a pedal board, it is our body that works to move forward.
- Cover Distance Quickly: You glide quietly on the water and it is possible to cover great distances quickly with a little practice. It is a craft designed to split the water and easily go upstream. Fishing kayaks are generally “sit on top” (open cockpit) models. And mostly they are unsinkable.
- Great Equipment for Fishing: This small, light, and fast boat is formidable for fishing. You can take it anywhere and its shallow draft gives access to areas where boats do not go. It is a real adventure and you can observe nature without disturbing it and approach the fishing stations with precision and discretion.
- Good Outdoor Sports: Also, a kayak fishing trip is always a good opportunity to do a bit of sport and to take a rod and a lure box on board to do some casts.
Kayak Fishing Action
As we have seen, kayak fishing allows you to approach isolated posts without noise! But it is practiced in shallow water heights up to about 6 meters. Even if some anglers practice vertical fishing with their kayak, it is better to get your hands on where the height of the water is lower.
Here are some tips for easy and harmonious kayak fishing for beginners:
- – Don’t go fishing with tidal coefficients greater than 100, the currents can be very strong!
- – Be careful when handling hooks, you are often far from everything!
- – Always take your cell phone, pliers, and a knife. It can be useful.
- – Dress in the weather conditions: sunscreen, sunglasses, cap or, conversely, a hat, dry suit, etc.
- – Try it north in an area where you have no footing and try to get into your kayak!
- – Check the weather and especially the wind.
- – Secure your equipment, cane, paddle, etc.
A Complete Guide to Kayak Fishing for Beginners
Having fun while improving kayak fishing skills is very possible. You just need to get the right gear and follow some pro tips that we are going to include in the following section.
Choose the right kayak
The choice of the kayak is essential: it is your playmate and your safety depends on it. There are two main categories for fishing kayaks, deck kayaks or kayaks called Sit On Top. This choice essentially depends on your performance and your safety on the water. To start quietly and safely, it is preferable to orient yourself towards a SOT kayak.
- Ddecked or Sit-In or Closed Kayak: the deck kayak is a sea kayak with tight lines. This is a marine model, ideally designed for traveling up to 6 miles offshore. Sit-In kayak requires a bit of technique in use. It is more suitable for a connoisseur who may have taken a good practice course. It has the advantage of protecting anglers from spray and roll.
- The SOT kayak (Sit On Top): the SOT kayak is better suited for beginners because it offers more safety in the sea. It looks more like a surfboard that the angler simply sits on. This type of kayaking requires no special technical knowledge of Eskimo. However, it is better suited for practice in calm waters such as estuaries, lakes, port areas, or bays rather than in the open sea.
In any case, the choice of the fishing kayak should essentially turn to a stable and easy-to-maneuver model. But you also need to choose a kayak that directly meets your expectations. Stability is preferred for optimum comfort of use when fishing. On the other hand, a less stable model will be more beneficial to competitive kayak fishing where changes of positions and speed will be frequent.
Also, several characteristics should be considered when buying a fishing kayak: your size, weight, and the type of fishing you want to do. If you prefer comfort fishing, you will opt for a stable model, a little less maneuverable but with optimal comfort on board.
Set specific and realistic goals
As we mentioned, kayak fishing is a sporting activity and fun practice, specially dedicated to the active fisherman. In general, a kayaker fishing enthusiast seeks to expend energy originally, while developing his passion in areas particularly populated by fish. This practice will benefit anglers in different ways. It allows you to approach fishing spots sometimes inaccessible by boat. Kayak fishing is a calm and silent practice that you can practice in complete freedom.
Safety equipment
USA regulations impose minimum safety equipment that is imperative to have. The most important point is to wear a life jacket or fishing vest. It is also possible to put on waders if it is cold. Especially no PVC model which risks filling up and causing us to sink in the event of a fall. To be safe, it is good to have a rope on board, you can always use it to pull your kayak or moor to the shore.
Fishing equipment
The fishing kayak does not require special equipment other than fishing classic carnivorous! We prefer a rod with a short heel like a float tube, because the length is not a priority either, a maximum of 2 meters so as not to be crowded on the kayak.
For the fishing rod, the best is a medium rod or even a second in medium light. Always look for lightness because you will already be tired to move forward so you might as well be comfortable fishing! Some fishing kayaks are equipped with rod holders and additional accessories that can also be found sold separately from the brands.
Onboard, you must also provide one or more airtight storage to keep your belongings dry.
Use electronics device
It has become very easy to install a sounder / GPS combo on a kayak! This is a significant asset for kayak fishing. You can easily spot the most suitable spots for your fishing especially where the fish are hiding! The installation often requires a few small DIYs but remains within the reach of all. On certain models, you can fix the probe on the side or even completely below using a suction cup!
- Feel free to check out our article on the best fish finders to help you make a consistent choice.
Another electronic piece of equipment that can be very useful is the VHF if you experience difficult conditions, discomfort, or any other incident.
Master the techniques
Kayak fishing does not require you to cast your rod very far to attract fish. A short cane will suffice. To save time and quickly unhook your fish, crush the barbs of your hooks. Also, learn to handle your hooks well to gain performance and avoid straying too far from the fish.
We advise beginners to always equip themselves with a cell phone, pliers, and a knife for the first time. The first try in a usual area is also necessary as preparation for sea kayak fishing.
Control the drift
The best catch is when the kayak is drifting, not when you are paddling. Your kayak is indeed pointing in a different direction than you were drifting, and you will then need to know how to put it back in the correct orientation at that time. To control your kayak when it’s time to fish, just hold your fishing rod in one hand and paddle with the other to stay on course.
Dress properly and safely
A safe kayak fishing session requires wearing a full, 3/2, or short type wetsuit. Added to this is a safety vest, ideally multi-pocket to be able to put down the whistle as well as some easy-to-unpack foods in case of hunger.
Use an effective knife
A survival knife can be particularly useful when needed, such as cutting a rope that has become tangled. However, for a knife to be effective, it must be within reach, hanging on the vest for example, and sharp. A knife with a questionable edge is ineffective or even dangerous.
Hang your knife on the kayak or other floating object to avoid losing it at the first inattention.
Waterproof lamp
This equipment is part of the compulsory equipment (means of light spotting) for the practice of kayak fishing but it is also particularly practical for morning or late outings. A headlamp is also more practical to keep your hands free while being able to be used by hand if necessary.
Check the weather and tide times
You should systematically check the weather forecast and tide times before going sea kayak fishing. Climatic hazards such as sudden changes in wind and currents can be dangerous at sea. In this case, remember to equip yourself with safety equipment. Avoid going fishing with tidal coefficients greater than 100. You may face very strong currents.
Adapt to the weather conditions
Of course, you will choose your fishing clothes according to the season and the weather conditions. Shorts and fleece Lycra will be necessary in case of a light breeze. A long neoprene overall and a jacket will offer you optimal comfort in mid-season conditions. When it is sunny, do not forget your caps and sunglasses. Likewise, hats are essential in cool weather.
Equip yourself with a fish cooler
A small cooler is always useful during a day of sea kayaking and fishing. It allows you to keep the fish cool. In summer, opt for an airtight and watertight cooler, more suitable for spending several hours fishing without altering the catch.
Conclusion
Kayak fishing has gained tremendous popularity in recent years due to its vast benefits over conventional boats. It provides anglers with unparalleled access to shallow, hard-to-reach waters where traditional boats may struggle to navigate. Also, kayak fishing is both fun and a great outdoor activity. It is above all about relaxing while practicing your favorite sport and not about stressing yourself out about not having had the biggest catch of the day.
As you wrap up this guide, you’ve gained insights into the exciting and rewarding world of angling from a kayak. Now with knowledge about choosing the right kayak, essential gear, safety measures, and fundamental fishing techniques, you’re ready to embark on your kayak fishing adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any kayak for fishing, or do I need a specific type?
While you can fish from various kayaks, dedicated fishing kayaks are designed with angler-friendly features. Look for stability, storage options, and the ability to customize fishing accessories.
How do I choose the right paddle for kayak fishing?
Select a lightweight paddle with adjustable length. Consider materials like fiberglass or carbon for durability and efficiency. A paddle with feathered blades can reduce wind resistance.
How do I transport my kayak to the fishing location?
Use a kayak roof rack for your vehicle or a kayak trailer. Secure the kayak properly with straps. Alternatively, consider an inflatable kayak that is easier to transport.
Can I stand up in a fishing kayak?
Many fishing kayaks are designed for standing, providing stability for casting. Practice standing in calm waters before attempting it in more challenging conditions.
