Kayak Fishing: What You Need To Know

Fishing from the docks or the beach may be easier than paddling into the water, but you'll catch fewer fish. Kayak fishing gives you the opportunity to land bigger fish while enjoying the tranquility of nature. But before you cast off, you should learn about the best strategies for kayak fishing, optimal times to fish from a kayak, and what kayak fishing gear you need for your trip.

What Is Kayak Fishing?

Kayak fishing is a fun hybrid sport that lets you reel in fish and navigate the waters yourself. Kayaks are more straightforward to operate than most boats, and the lack of an engine makes you less likely to scare off fish.

Additionally, they provide a more tranquil, personal connection to nature by putting you directly on the water. Depending on the weather, you can watch the fish before you catch them or admire the various bugs and birds that pass you by.

How Do You Fish From a Kayak?

Fishing from a kayak is similar to standard fishing but with limited space and movement. As such, it's generally not recommended for beginners. 

Particular fishing styles vary by angler. Many people stand on their kayaks for better leverage, though this takes practice and can be risky. Most kayak fishing styles are self-learned, so how frequently you stand and move will depend on your personal limitations. 

Double-check that you have compact and sturdy kayak fishing gear before heading out. The proper tools ensure you can smoothly reel in fish without upsetting your balance. 

What Fish Can You Catch on a Kayak?

You can usually catch more fish while kayaking because you can reach the schools and species that stay away from the shores. This includes pelagic fish, such as tuna, herrings, and mahi-mahi. Many of these fish tend to be larger, as the greater depths give them more room to swim.

The time and season will impact your fishing success. For instance, you may only catch coldwater fish such as bass or catfish on colder mornings. So, you should research the fish patterns in your area to find the best months, hours, routes, and tools for kayak fishing. Then, get to know your local fishing community, as other angles may provide unparalleled tips.

What Do You Need to Kayak Fish?

Create a kayak fishing gear checklist at least a few days before your trip. A list will help you make sure you don't forget anything and give you an easy way to double-check your equipment before hitting the water. Plus, you can update your checklist for future trips, so you always know what you need to fish while kayaking.

Fishing Supplies

The specific fishing gear you bring on your trip may depend on your personal style. For example, you may prefer to skip the fishing rod and bring a net instead. Whatever you grab, make sure it's dependable and fits in your kayak. 

Fishing Rod

First, start with your fishing pole. You may already have a few fishing rods that you use, but not all of them can fit into your kayak. Consider your rod's size, features, age, and overall quality. Flimsy and unreliable equipment can create a hassle on the water, and larger poles limit your space. The gear you bring on your kayak should be professional and dependable.

Many anglers are talking about the new Dockwalker series of Blackfin fishing rods for kayaking. Made for kayaking, paddleboarding, and dock fishing, these kayak rods are thin enough to stay out of the way but sturdy enough to reel in catches without upsetting your balance. They're also compatible with most attachments, making it easy to bring multiple poles. 

Fishing Line

Always bring a generous amount of fishing line on your kayaking trips. Most fishing line spools shouldn't take up a lot of space, so you can never bring too much. If you accidentally drop your spool or hook in the water, you don't have to paddle back to shore to continue fishing. 

Tackle Box

You should usually bring your smallest tackle boxes when kayaking because they are less likely to be knocked overboard. Depending on your angling style and the fish you're targeting, your tackle box may include the following items:

• Bait
• Hooks in various sizes
• Lures and flies
• Floaters and bobbers
• Sinkers
• Swivels
• Stringers
• Knife
• Pliers
• Clippers
• Ruler or small measuring tape
• Fishing license

Before heading out on the water, double-check that your tackle box is neatly organized. Shuffling around could impact your kayak's balance, so you should know the location of everything you need before hitting the water.

Best Kayak Fishing Gloves

There are various styles of fishing gloves for different uses and conditions. The gloves you bring on your kayak ride should be tailored to your needs. In many cases, a combination of fish gloves will be best. For instance, you could bring waterproof gloves, gloves specific to your angling style, and a basic backup pair to cover all of your bases. 

Consider these types of fishing gloves when assembling your kayak fishing gear checklist. 

Watersports Gloves

Specialized watersports gloves are often the best options for kayaking because they maximize your grip while protecting you from cuts and splashes. Many use advanced materials and construction to leave your fingers unrestricted. This way, you can grasp your paddle and fishing rod as firmly as you could barehanded without risking sunburns, scratches, or exposure to freezing water. 

Watersports gloves are specialized for different weather conditions. For example, the Alaska River flip mitt glove features a 2 mm flap that covers your exposed fingers, letting you stay warmer longer. On warmer days, you can try the Alaska River fingerless gloves, which use lightweight materials and slitted tips so you can easily handle your fishing line and phone. 

Stripping and Fighting Gloves

Fingerless fighting and stripping gloves are flexible and protective. They're designed with extra layers of abrasion-resistant ArmorTek fabric in high-wear areas so your fishing line won't rip them. This protection helps you safely play with your wire without slicing your fingers.

These fighting gloves use a textured, nonslip palm and reliable Velcro cuff so nothing slides from your grip, including your paddle. Plus, their fabric is quick-drying, so you don't have to worry if they get splashed.

UV Protection Gloves

Sunburns and other types of ultraviolet (UV) related skin damage are serious concerns on the water, especially when kayaking for several hours. Even if you don't need gloves for the cold or your fishing style, you should grab a pair of sun gloves for health and safety. 

Search for gloves with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50 or more, such as Ascension Bay or Islamorada Sun Gloves. Their sun protection lining prevents UV rays from breaking through their materials into your skin. This way, you can reduce your risk of skin damage both short and long-term. Sun gloves are especially beneficial for sunny days and kayakers with sensitive skin. 

Waterproof Gloves

Fishing gloves made with waterproof materials are often essential for comfort and safety. Soggy gloves may expose your skin to harmful bacteria and freezing water, depending on where you're kayaking. Whether you're paddling or pulling a fish out of the water, waterproof gloves should always be on your kayak fishing gear checklist. 

Kenai waterproof gloves are some of the best options available, featuring 2 mm of premium TechLine Neoprene fabric. This material insulates your hands and keeps them dry and warm for your entire trip. Plus, with a quick-drying exterior, you should have no difficulty taking them off.

Cold Weather Fishing Gloves

Cold-weather gloves aren't just useful in the winter — they can also keep your hands warm on windy days and colder mornings. This extra layer of protection ensures your shivering doesn't impact the line or scare away any fish. Durable gloves should keep you warm for hours, even on the coldest days, so you can keep paddling and fishing as you please. 

While most winter gloves cover your hands entirely, some use fingerless designs and specialized fingertips so you can still easily access your line. For example, our Bristol Bay gloves use low-friction padding from Touchrite Technology on their pointer fingertips. When combined with sharkskin texturing, this feature lets you easily handle even the smallest fishing wires. 

Sun Protection

Sun protection is crucial for your safety and the longevity of your trips — even during colder months. Just because you don't feel warm doesn't mean UV rays aren't still hitting you. Whether it's sunny or cloudy, you should always pack UPF-rated supplies in addition to your sun gloves to protect your skin. 

Hats and Sun Shades

Hats, sun shades, and other headwear protect your face and eyesight on kayaking trips. They're critical to navigating the waters when the sun is just above or ahead of you. They can also help you avoid painful sunburns on your scalp and face and are fashionable to boot.

Neck Tubes

Sun hoods, ski masks, and other neck tube variatoins protect your face in many ways. You can use them to shield the back of your neck, hold your hair out of your eyes, or cover your entire face in the winter. 

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is often essential when kayaking, especially since you'll have limited coverage overhead. Even if you don't burn, exposure to UV rays still leaves you susceptible to skin damage, cancer, and other serious risks. So, you should invest in dependable sunscreen with a rating of UPF 50 or more, depending on your needs. 

Other Kayaking Essentials

Once you've secured everything you need for your safety and fishing style, finish your checklist by reviewing your kayak. If you're renting or borrowing, check with the owners to see what's included. For example, many kayak rentals come with paddles, pumps, and seats that double as flotation devices.

Add the following kayak fishing gear and tools to your checklist:

• Paddle
• Bilge pump
• Life vest or flotation device
• Wetsuit or swimsuit
• Jacket
• Food
• Water
• Insect repellent
• Sealable storage bags
• Bags for caught fish
• Headlamp or other waterproof light source
• First-aid kit

When Is the Best Time To Go Kayak Fishing?

Depending on your location, preparedness, state laws, and license, you're generally safe to kayak during most months. However, your experiences may vary drastically between hours and seasons. 

Before heading out, ask yourself if you're more interested in the kayaking or fishing aspects, as that will help you determine your route. For instance, you may have to choose between catching the fish at their hungriest hour or navigating downstream during a gorgeous sunset.

Most importantly, consider your safety and limitations, including your gear, the temperature, the weather, and how long you can last on the water. For example, instead of spending an entire day in the August heat, you should cast off for one or two brief trips when the fish are the most active. 

Remember, you also have to paddle back to shore when you're done fishing, which can leave you exhausted if you don't plan ahead.

Best Fishing Times

Fish head to the surface based on the water's temperature, which usually makes it easier to plan your days. Fish tend to bite the most from the afternoon until sundown. However, the weather, water conditions, fish patterns, seasonal changes, and various other factors can impact their activities. So, you should research when the fish you're after are most likely to head to the surface each day.

Early Morning

Fish are often the least active at sunrise because the surface temperature is at its coldest. However, activity varies by species and season. Mornings are the slowest during early spring, late autumn, and winter. 

Summer and warmer months leave the water much hotter. Fish are more likely to bite before the surface gets too hot later in the afternoon.

Despite the slower activity, mornings are still a great time to head out for kayak fishing. Depending on the season, hitting the water shortly after sunrise gives you ample time to paddle and find your perfect casting spot. 

Late Morning

Depending on the weather and heat, the aquatic morning rush tends to hit between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Most schools of fish wait for the surface temperature to warm up for at least a couple of hours before biting. 

However, many won't show their scales if it's too hot or cold. You'll generally catch more fish on spring and fall mornings than in the summer, though specific fish activities will vary by your region.

Afternoon

By the late afternoon, the water should be plenty warm enough for fish to rise to the surface. Additionally, fish are naturally hungrier after hours of swimming under the sun — making them more likely to bite.

Unfortunately, most fish will stay away from the surface if it's too hot, especially during summer afternoons. Always check the temperature beforehand and avoid kayaking in the midday summer heat. 

Evening

Evening is an excellent time to go fishing, regardless of the season. At this point in the day, the water's surface has been thoroughly warmed up but usually isn't too hot to swim in. Plus, fish are still hungry from their long day in the summer sun and eager for a bite. 

Schools will generally stick around the surface until sundown during hotter months. However, they may leave earlier on cooler evenings once the sun is no longer heating them up. 

Best Kayaking Seasons

Many kayakers prefer to cast off during the warmer months, such as early autumn, for the best comfort, safety, and views. However, most will still recommend that you kayak at least once in each season to experience the atmosphere. The trees, river banks, and everything in between look different under layers of leaves, snow, and green foliage, making each trip unique.

Spring and Fall

Spring and fall are generally the best seasons for kayak fishing, thanks to the weather and fishing opportunities. Fish are cold-blooded creatures, so they generally stay in warmer places during the winter and away from the surface during the summer. This leaves the months in between prime time to catch various types of fish.

Be aware of the changing temperatures during these seasons, as the weather may shift drastically. Look up the rainfall and wind before casting off to plan your route accordingly.

Summer and Winter

Fish tend to be scarcer during the coldest and hottest months, even in warmer regions. While you should still reel in some catches during July or November, they may not be as large or diverse as you'd like. Additionally, the summer usually provides more vegetation for fish to consume, making them less likely to bite at the surface. 

So, your focus on these kayaking trips may be better spent on your destinations, sights, and safety. The winter cold and summer heat can pose serious health risks, depending on where you live. You should double-check that you have the proper protective gear and avoid staying out for prolonged periods. 

Additionally, be aware of when it's simply unsafe to go out, especially when kayaking. Avoid hitting the water in freezing temperatures and consider other options, such as ice fishing. In the summer, paddling and sitting in the sun can drain your energy fast, so consider fishing from the dock if it's too hot.

Find Your Best Kayak Fishing Gear

Your next kayak fishing trip will be incomplete without the proper gear. Whether you need protection from the sun or gloves for better grip, explore Glacier Outdoor to find the best kayak fishing gear for your trip.