Beginner's Guide to Kayak Fishing

Are you ready to fish from a kayak? One of the most exciting and satisfying fishing methods, kayaking allows you to get to completely inaccessible places on foot or by motorboat. Do you like to explore? Kayaking allows you to paddle to those pristine corners where the fish are most likely to feed.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced kayaker, here are some tips to help you make the most of your time on the water.

Choosing the right kayak

Before you add seats, supports, straps, and all the other extra elements that make a kayak unique, you have the keel. A keel is the skeleton of the kayak. When you look at kayaks, they look similar, but keel patterns can be drastically different. Here are some of the options:

Paddles or pedals?

While traditionalists rely on the propulsion method that has been used for thousands of years—paddles—many find pedaling less tiring when traveling longer distances, and you can still use the paddles if you want or need to. Keep in mind that you will have to pay extra for a pedal kayak, and these can be considerably more expensive.

On a kayak or in a kayak?

Most anglers prefer to sit on the kayak. This positioning allows unrestricted access to gear and also makes it easier to get in and out.

Kayak fishing location and conditions

First of all, you need to ask yourself where you want to fish. Do you want to fish on the river, pond, lake, or ocean? In hot or cold water? Choose a kayak whose features you need for 90% of your trips. Choosing any type comes with tradeoffs.

Seated kayaks may be the more comfortable choice in particularly cold water. Longer kayaks are generally faster than shorter ones, and wider kayaks are generally more stable (and slower) than narrower ones. While it's desirable to have a stable kayak for fishing, keep in mind that almost any kayak will feel more stable the more you use it.

Kayak equipment

Aside from gadgets and extra gear, the only thing that sets a fishing kayak apart from any other is a rod holder and a few other specific accessories. Many of the fishing kayaks on the market come in "angler" versions (which are designed to have accessories to fit most anglers) or standard versions (which allow you to add your configuration).

Stock kayaks are cheaper than "angler" models. So if you're relatively handy, you can not only save money but also customize your kayak to your personal needs and desires. In general, it's better to start with less equipment and add the things you need over time. You can start with a few simple rod holders, a paddle line, a personal flotation device (PFD), a safety whistle, a milk crate, and a waterproof bag. Everything else can be added later.

Cost

Ideally, cost should be the final consideration for the size, shape, and style, but if the kayak you want is beyond your budget, buy only what you can afford. You can always upgrade. The most important thing is to get out on the water and catch fish!

Safety first

There's no need to panic! The chances of something going wrong on your fishing trip are slim, but everyone knows that it's always best to be prepared for something, so safety and comfort should be a top priority. With that in mind, a life jacket is essential.

Other items that every kayak angler should have are a whistle, signal flashlights, gloves, a flashlight (even if you don't plan on going out at night), a first aid kit, a paddle line, and a rod line. All of these items can be packed in a waterproof case or bag so that no items are forgotten and can be easily transported on any fishing trip.

Protect yourself from the elements of nature

In a kayak, you are exposed to the elements of nature. While the breeze and smell of the sea are part of the appeal of kayaking, don't overdo it. Protection ensures comfort during the trip and long-term health. Be sure to pack bug spray, waterproof sunscreen, sunprotective clothing, a hat or cap, and sunglasses.

Stock up on water and food

To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of water the day before your trip. Pack a few bottles of water and water-rich foods like fruits to sample while fishing.

Kayak anchor

An anchor is something that most beginners often forget. A good choice is the foldable anchor, which is lightweight and compact. Easy to store, an anchor keeps you in place and helps reduce fatigue.

Fish handling equipment

Fish handling equipment includes nets, gloves, line cutters, pliers, and more. Gloves are useful for handling fish with fins or sharp teeth. If you haven't caught a trout-like fish that you can easily remove the hook from, a pair of pliers will be handy. Look for a pair of cables that you can attach to your flotation device, or consider a multi-survival tool. Landing nets are useful for removing fish that have been brought close to the kayak and allow you to leave the fish half in the water.

Keep a radio communication device handy

As a sailor, it is very important to be able to communicate with each other when you are on the water, but it is also important to be able to call other boats and even the Coast Guard in case of an emergency. One of the easiest ways to do this is with a VHF radio. These are essentially radios that use predefined frequencies for marine use. Every boat should have one, and every sailor should know how to use it. The Coast Guard will always monitor certain channels, and you can check a local guide to see which channels are available to use.

Become competitive by equipping yourself with sonar

A compact sonar can be a powerful addition to your fishing trip. Most manufacturers now build them with pre-cut transducer holes, cable channels, and storage compartments for batteries and screen covers. Manufacturers of marine electronic products are also focusing on the kayak fishing market, offering electronics for amateurs.

Now you are reasonably prepared to venture into the exciting world of kayaking. The above article doesn't even superficially cover such a broad topic, but with a little research, you can find much more detail on each topic covered here. With all the brands involved and the constant innovations in the fishing industry, it's easy to get lost in a sea of information. But remember, the reason you are doing this is to reconnect with nature. You can't find that in a book or on a computer screen. So, get out in nature and try kayaking! Remember, there are no guarantees when fishing. Whether you catch something or not, the only thing we can promise is that you will discover a passion that will last a lifetime.