Kayak fishing is an attractive alternative to fishing from a bank or powerboat. You can access places on a kayak that you cannot get to on foot or with a boat. Kayak fishing is affordable, accessible and a great way to combine many aspects of outdoor recreation.
So what do you need to know before you invest in a yak of your own? What gear do you actually need before you can start reelin’ ‘em in? And how do you develop your kayak fishing skills? Read on to delve into the exciting world of Kayak Fishing.
GETTING STARTED
PURCHASING A FISHING KAYAK - WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Do you want a pedal-powered or paddle kayak? Is speed or stability more important? How much storage space do you need?
There are a lot of options out there, and it can be a little overwhelming. If you’re struggling to narrow down the choices, we have developed the perfect tool.
Answer a few easy questions to find your ideal kayak. And if you need more information on any of the recommended models, we are here for you. Our watersports specialists are on hand to offer advice on finding your perfect match. Chat with an advisor using the LiveChat function at the bottom of this page.
Even with all that information, we do understand that buying exclusively online can be daunting. Once you have made your purchase, we really believe that you will fall in love with your new kayak. And if you don’t? Well, that’s ok! All of our fishing kayaks come with a 15-day money-back guarantee. If something isn’t quite right, organise a return, and we can refund or exchange your kayak. Simple" GET TO KNOW YOUR NEW COMMUNITY
With the growth of kayak fishing, you are never far from a wonderful community of fellow anglers. Take advantage of social media and online meetup groups to find your tribe.
By being active in the community as a beginner, you will benefit from the knowledge of paddlers more experienced than you. As you build up experiences of your own, be sure to give back and offer a helping hand to other newbies.
UNDERSTAND THE WEATHER
If you take nothing from this guide but the next four words, I will be a happy blogger! Always. Check. The. Weather
Always. Check. The. Weather Use weather apps to check the forecast before you head out.
There are lots of resources out there. Again, use the knowledge of your new community and familiarise yourself with local fishing reports. If in doubt, don’t go out. TIME TO GEAR UP
So you have your kayak. What else do you need?
PADDLE
Even if you have gone for a pedal-drive model, you will still need a paddle. We recommend investing in the best paddle your budget allows for.
Invest in materials like fibreglass or carbon fibre as they are lightweight and robust. A light paddle with lots of pulling power makes all the difference if you’re spending a lot of time on the water.
LIFEJACKET/PFD
Next, a personal floatation device, or PFD. This is a non-negotiable piece of kit. Don’t be concerned about being restricted when paddling or casting. There are plenty of kayak-specific lifejackets that will give you the freedom you need while keeping you safe.
Also, look out for dedicated kayak fishing lifejackets. These jackets have lots of lash points and extra pockets, handy for keeping your essentials close.
KAYAK SEAT
A moulded plastic sit-on-top fishing kayak is the most common style on the market. These kayaks come with a recessed seat area that provides a stable base but very little back support.
To make your experience as comfortable as possible, you will want to consider investing in a dedicated kayak seat.
If you are fishing from a kayak, you will likely be on the sitting for a substantial amount of time. To make your experience as comfortable as possible, you will want to consider investing in a dedicated kayak seat.
ESSENTIAL SAFETY GEAR
So you have found your perfect kayak and stocked up on the basics. What other gear should you never leave dry land without? Here is a quick essential packing list of the little things we can easily forget when prepping for a day on the water:
- Paddle Leash
- Dry bags
- Sharp knife
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses - preferably polarised
- First Aid Kit
While this list may appear obvious, it is often these things that are overlooked. Pack your essentials into a dry-bag that is easy to grab each time you head out. Maintaining a pre-packed kit is much easier than grabbing everything fresh each time DEDICATED FISHING ACCESSORIES
When starting out, less is more. With so much exciting gear available, there is a temptation to load you new kayak full of rods, tackle, motors and other electronics. Start simple with a few dedicated fishing accessories and build from there. A few things to consider would be:
- Rod holders
- Fishfinder
- Key vault
- Kayak Trolley
- Outrigger stabiliser
- Cooler
Better to take the time to find a system that works than to go all-in with a lot of expensive gear that ends up not being right for you. Take a look at our full range of Kayak Fishing Accessories for all the essentials. DON’T FEAR DIY
Once you have gotten your feet wet and started to learn what works for you, you will start to notice little improvements and customisations you can make to your yak. Don’t be afraid of a bit of DIY.
Kayaks are very versatile and hardy, making them infinitely customisable.
PREPARING FOR KAYAK FISHING
A common mantra amongst kayak anglers is “dress to swim, rig to flip”. Though it may seem extreme, especially if you are starting out in calmer waters, the message behind this saying offers a good foundation for first-timers.
DRESS TO SWIM
You want to dress under the assumption that you will get wet. Avoid cotton entirely as it is slow to dry and can get heavy when damp.
RIG TO FLIP
Though unlikely in calmer waters, capsizing your kayak is always a possibility. Avoid the frustration of losing your carefully curated kit should you tip by adequately securing and waterproofing your gear. By building these habits early, you will be setting yourself up for a lifetime of success!
Be sure to waterproof anything you definitely don’t want to get wet.