Kayak Fishing Tips For Beginners: How To Get Started

Fishing from a kayak is a fantastic outdoor activity that is suitable for all levels of anglers. You can fish in a variety of places, including remote waters, shallow ends, and rivers when participating in this sport. A kayak, on the other hand, is less expensive, easier to use, and transport, and it allows you to get some exercise while enjoying nature.

However, there is a catch: before going out, you must first acquire the necessary equipment and learn the fundamentals. To get you started, I’ll give you some kayak fishing advice.

Best Kayak Fishing Tips for Beginners

1. Invest in the right kayak 

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all kayak. Each type is intended to be used in a specific situation. Some are appropriate for rivers, while others are appropriate for lakes, bays, streams, or the ocean. A good beginner fishing kayak should be very stable, which can be accomplished by having a large cockpit.

Other considerations to consider when selecting the best kayak for fishing include:

• Try before you buy- Different people have different ideas about the best kayak for fishing. As a result, you won’t be able to determine what is best for you based solely on online reviews and personal experience. You must test out several kayaks before deciding on one. Contact local dealers for demo days or rent kayaks until you find one that is both comfortable and easy to maneuver.
• Consider the size and width—most fishing kayaks range in length from 10 to 14 feet. For beginners, shorter and wider ones are preferable. They are easier to maneuver and provide greater stability on the water. You should also make certain that the kayak has enough space to store tackle and mount fishing accessories.
• Price- There are various price ranges for fishing kayaks. Some are inexpensive, while others are costly. As a beginner, don’t be too strict on your budget because you get what you pay for. Always buy the best kayak you can afford, as it can be costly to buy a cheaper one and then upgrade later. Thankfully, you can find some decent fishing kayaks under $500.
• Features- Check to see if the kayak has comfortable seats, sonar mounting options, rails, rod holders, and so on. It should be portable as well.
• Customer service reviews- See what other buyers are saying about the company’s customer service. And, if you want after-sales support, buy from a reputable company.

2. Get the necessary gear

A paddle

You’ll need a paddle to steer the kayak once you’ve obtained it. Invest in a kayak fishing paddle based on the length and width of your kayak. Longer paddles are required for taller and wider boats, and vice versa.

Aside from size, consider the paddle’s style and material. You should be prepared to spend more money if you want a lighter carbon fiber paddle. They make it more enjoyable to steer the boat while reducing wrist and joint fatigue. If your budget does not allow for it, go with aluminum shaft paddles with plastic blades. The option is also lightweight and long-lasting.

Paddle leash 

If your kayak does not come with one, consider purchasing one. As you fight for the catch, it secures the paddle to an eyelet or a cleat.

Personal floatation device (PFD)

A well-fitted kayak fishing PFD, also known as a life jacket, is essential to wear while on the water. The fit should be snug enough to keep you safe without restricting movement.

Purchase one that is specifically designed for angling and includes storage compartments. You can keep some fishing tackle, such as lures, in your pockets to keep them close at hand.

Moisture-wicking clothes

When going out on the water, you should always dress appropriately. When kayak fishing, however, regardless of the weather, wear moisture-wicking clothing. The clothing keeps you dry because you are more likely to get wet because you will be fishing closer to the water.

Safety gear

Aside from the kayak fishing PFD, the following items should be carried when going kayak fishing:

• Dry bags– To keep your tackle & extra clothes 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, an anchor can 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 basic fishing accessories

When you first start kayak fishing, you may be tempted to fill your vessel with every exciting kayak fishing accessory available. Don’t! Begin with only the essential fishing equipment, as too much will confuse you, leave you with less space to work from, and ultimately get in your way.

Consider starting off with these accessories: 

• A 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 

When you’re out kayaking, anything can happen. To stay safe while kayak fishing, take the following precautions:

• Go with someone- When you first start kayak fishing, it is always a good idea to go with someone experienced who 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. Inform them when you will return so that they can call for assistance if you do not appear.
• Keep an eye on the weather—the weather can change quickly while you’re out on the water. Keep an eye out for thunderstorms, which can be dangerous for any kayaker. Wear protective clothing that will keep you safe if your kayak capsizes once more.
• Always be alert- You should always be alert to avoid colliding with powerboats. Also, avoid boating in high-traffic areas, as well as in dark or foggy conditions. If you plan to kayak at night, make sure you have a 360-degree light to improve visibility.
• Carry a straight blade and keep it close at hand- Keep a straight knife near your seat or PFD in case your fishing line or anchor becomes entangled in something. It enables you to quickly cut it free, preventing your boat from flipping.
• Be visible- Always choose high-visibility kayak and paddle colors like red and orange. To increase visibility, have bright lights and flags, wear reflective clothing and a PFD, and carry a safety whistle.
• Wear your life jacket/PFD whenever you’re on the water instead of just carrying it. An unexpected kayak flip, even if you are a good swimmer, can be fatal.

5. Improve your kayaking abilities before bringing your fishing gear on board

If you’re new to kayaking, start by going to a familiar body of water and practicing paddling, anchoring, and positioning your kayak in all types of weather. Practicing these skills before going on a fishing trip will help you gain confidence and experience.

To avoid spooking the fish and becoming tired while fishing, practice paddling quietly and with minimal exertion. It’s also a good idea to learn to steer with one hand. This will aid you in battling large fish while remaining on course or navigating the boat away from hazards.

6. Research before going on your first kayak fishing adventure

You’re ready to start kayak fishing after learning and mastering the above five tips.

But don’t leave the house until you’ve done your homework on the following:

• Find a kayak fishing community in your area. Online meetups and social media groups can help you connect with other anglers. The community will offer advice to help you improve your angling skills.
• Kayak fishing location- To avoid wasting time on your D-day, do some research on good fishing spots near you and the best way to get in and out of the water. Also, find out if you’ll need a license to fish from that spot and plan accordingly.
• Learn about the fish you’ll most likely catch in your chosen location by studying the target species. This will assist you in determining the best fishing technique and baits, as well as the best time to go fishing. 

Summary

With the above kayak fishing tips, you’re ready to embark on your first angling adventure. You might face some difficulties at first, but trust me! With practice, it becomes easier.