Kayak Fishing Tips

The Best Kayak Fishing Tips

Welcome to Apex Fishing Tips, this section of our website is committed to kayak fishing and how to catch fish from a kayak. Kayak fishing is a popular method of fishing used by anglers to catch fish from a kayak. This web page is going to help improve your kayak fishing skills and help you catch bigger fish, more often.

Below you'll find 9 kayak fishing tips that will help improve your knowledge of kayak fishing and your success at catching fish. Kayak fishing is a great way to access parts of a lake, river or pond that are inaccessible from the shore. You'll be able to find and catch fish that other anglers can't get too. Continue down below to learn how to kayak fish.

In addition to 9 kayak fishing tips, we have a checklist of all the fishing gear and tackle you'll need to go kayak fishing. You'll also find some awesome pictures of other people kayak fishing from around the world. If you need more resources and information on kayak fishing, you'll find it at the bottom of this web page.



9 Kayak Fishing Tips

  1. Picking the right fishing kayak is important both for your bank account and your experience. Comfort is important, the sit-on-top style is usually the best for fishing. Most anglers prefer a fishing kayak that is short and wide, it's more stable and less likely to tip over, however it will be on the slow side. We recommend avoiding fishing kayaks that have pedals, they weigh more and you'll still need back-up paddles in case the pedal mechanism breaks. Make sure there are built-in fishing pole holders and plenty of storage options (dry and open).
  2. Proper clothing can mean the different between a great kayak fishing day or a terrible one. It's near impossible to stay dry when kayak fishing, so wear clothing that's moisture-wicking. On hot summer days you'll need sunscreen, a hat and polarized glasses to protect yourself from the sun's harmful UV rays. Always have a spare change of shoes and clothes in a watertight container or waterproof bag.
  3. Before you go out and use your fishing kayak, we recommend that you do some research on state, county and local boating regulations. Many jurisdictions have different requirements, including but not limited to specific boating equipment, safety gear and/or that you register your fishing kayak. The lake or pond where you're fishing may restrict what areas you can and cannot go with your kayak.
  4. Invest in a paddle leash if your fishing kayak doesn't have mounts for your paddle. We've seen countless anglers lose their paddles when they drop them to grab their fishing pole or accidently knock them overboard while handling a fish. If you think using a paddle can wear you out, wait till you need to use your hands and arms.
  5. A fishing kayak will give you the ability to reach areas that aren't accessible from the shore. However, you'll want to study the body of water you're fishing in to exploit this advantage. Search online for a topographical map that has depth ranges and print it out. Then use Google Maps to find areas that could contain structures, cover and other favorable conditions for fish. You can also mark-up your topographical map when you're out on the water with good locations you couldn't find just using Google Maps.
  6. Bring multiple fishing rods already setup up with different lures and fishing rigs. Changing out a setup on a fishing kayak is much more difficult than on the shore. Plus, your kayak will continue to drift while you're changing out a setup, requiring you to reposition, further wasting time if you've located a nice area with fish.
  7. Practice both casting and trolling from your fishing kayak. Casting is great when you're targeting a specific area for fish. However, trolling is great for covering large areas in a short amount of time. The secret to trolling on a fishing kayak is depth and speed. Try to stay between 1 and 2 miles per hour and target depths based on the type of fishing you're trying to catch, the water temperature and the time of year.
  8. Consider buying an anchor, you won't regret it. A simple 2 to 4 pound anchor is a great way to keep yourself in one spot, especially on windy days. It's important that you only tie your anchor to the bow or the stern. Never tie an anchor to the side of your fishing kayak, it can easy cause you to capsize. Don't use the anchor in strong currents either, if they're strong enough it can pull your fishing kayak underwater.
  9. Don't forget a mounted camera. We've heard so many stories of anglers losing their cell phones on their fishing kayak. Avoid having to use your camera and buy one (or more) that can be mounted directly to your kayak. It's a great way to save memories and not have to put forth any effort to record your events out on the water.


About Kayak Fishing

About Kayak Fishing

Kayak fishing is a fun way to catch and to reach areas of a lake, pond or river that isn't accessible from the shore. Kayaks are cheap alterative to a boat, they're lighter, cheaper and easy to store. You can buy a fishing kayak that can hold two anglers, but typically you'll find it more fun and comfortable to use fishing kayaks that hold just one person. Fishing from a kayak can be a great way to catch more fish and get some good exercise.

Safety should always be on your mind when kayak fishing. If you're on a river, make sure you have a map and know what's ahead, including large rocks, drop-offs and rapids. Make sure to wear a life preserve, while you might be a good swimmer, rowing a kayak can strain your muscles and drain energy you would need to swim to shore. Practice keeping your balance in shallow water before venturing to deeper areas of a body of water.



Kayak Fishing Checklist

The below kayak fishing checklist has the fishing gear and tackle you might need when fishing from a kayak.



Kayak Fishing Pictures

Kayak fishing in alabama

A picture of an angler kayak fishing in the U.S. State of Alabama.
(Credit: Eric Atkins / Flickr)

Big bass caught while kayak fishing

A picture of a largemouth bass caught why kayak fishing.
(Credit: Michael Whitacre / Flickr)

Kayak fishing in the deep fork river

A picture of someone kayak fishing in the Deep Fork river.
(Credit: Thomas & Dianne Jones / Flickr)



Kayak Fishing Resources