Last Updated on October 17, 2022 by Donnell Henderson
Kayak fishing is a relatively new pastime. It has grown tremendously in popularity in the last ten years or so. Kayak fishing is a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors while fishing. There are many benefits of kayaking that make it such a popular way to fish.
You might be surprised by what you find while kayak fishing! The third benefit is that kayaks are very portable. They are the ideal boat for taking with you on camping trips or other outdoor activities since they take up so little room and are so lightweight.
The first benefit is how easy it is to get started with kayak fishing. You do not have to have any special skills or experience in order to get started kayak fishing. Most people can purchase a basic kayak and be out on the water in no time at all. This is great for those who want to try kayak fishing without investing a lot in equipment and special training. The second benefit is that you will be able to fish in some areas where you would not normally be able to. Kayaks are small and can easily navigate through areas where larger boats can’t reach, such as shallow waters, narrow channels, and small bays. If you’re a kayak angler and a kayak fishing trip is not what you have done, then this guide is for you.
A fishing kayak does not a successful fishing trip make. You need to take a few things with you to take to the water so as to make the most of your trip. Read on to get to our kayak fishing essentials list.
Why Is There Such a Thing as Kayak Fishing?
The most basic reason a person might fish from a kayak is the same reason people fish from boats: it’s where the fish are. Kayak fishing is a fun way to explore new lakes, creeks, and rivers you wouldn’t normally be able to reach.
Fishing from a kayak opens up access to shallow water that would otherwise be too shallow for a boat to navigate. This can result in some exciting new fishing opportunities, like hitting the shallows at sunrise or sunset when fish tend to feed more actively.
And then there’s the whole environmental aspect of kayak fishing. Every time you launch your kayak and take it out on the water, you’re reducing the carbon footprint of fishing. Paper catalogs and maps have been replaced by smartphones loaded with GPS technology, waterproof cameras, and an app that can identify fish species by photos. And then there’s being able to fish in places that aren’t open to motorized boats or even foot traffic—these are just some of the ways kayak fishing can make your trip even more eco-friendly.
Kayak Fishing Essentials
Kayak fishing is a unique and exciting way to enjoy the great outdoors. You can catch fish, see beautiful scenery, and have a great time with friends or family. The best part is that kayak fishing is not just easy—it’s also inexpensive. Buying a kayak can be expensive, but you don’t need to go out and spend a lot of money on new equipment to get started. If you’re a beginner and buying a new fishing kayak, make a kayak fishing gear list.
And do check that all your kayak gear are there. The best fishing kayaks would have enough room for all kayak fishing accessories or kayak fishing supplies like fishing rods, personal flotation devices, safety gear, and a first aid kit. If you already own a few basic supplies and accessories, then you’ll have an easier, quicker task of setting up your fishing kayak! Here are some essentials you’ll want to bring along for your kayak fishing adventure.
1. Personal Flotation Device
A PFD is an inflatable or foam flotation device that helps keep you and your kayak afloat in the event of an accident, like falling overboard. They are particularly important for ocean kayaking because the water is too deep to swim to safety if you fall in. PFDs are not required but strongly recommended for anyone who spends time on the water, especially those with no experience in swimming.
2. Paddle
Kayaking is a recreational activity that involves paddling a kayak. Kayaks are small boats with one or more cockpits (tandem fishing kayaks have two), propelled by means of a double-bladed paddle. In many parts of the world, kayak fishing has developed as a popular sport and recreational activity. The advent of modern, injection-molded composite materials has led to the development of lighter and more rigid kayaks, which can be paddled on longer trips and offer better protection from the elements.
3. Leash or Bungee Cords
The biggest obstacle to kayak fishing is the leash. As with many other sports, it’s a set of running stitches of nylon cord that keeps you from falling in the water when you catch a big one. Unfortunately, the leash also keeps your rod and reel in the water and out of your hands when you’re trying to bring in a big fish.
Another problem is that both ends of the leash are attached to your body: one around your waist and one clipped onto your life jacket. That makes it difficult to cast as well as reel in fish. This option solves both problems by tethering your rod to your kayak with bungee cords rather than to you directly.
4. Rope
Not to be confused with the foregoing item on this list, a rope is another thing to have in your kayak. It’s only been used for thousands of years and one of the oldest tools that humans know of and is still one of the most important. Without a rope, people would be limited in what they could do.
5. Anchor
An anchor is a weight used to prevent a boat or ship from drifting or moving. Anchors can be found on boats, ships, and even airplanes. An anchor’s weight is measured in pounds.
6. Anchor Trolley
Anchor trolleys are devices that attach between the anchor line and the boat, with a line running from the trolley to the bow. This allows the boat to be positioned in any direction without having to move the anchor. Anchor trolleys help prevent anchor drift, which can change the angle of pull on your anchor and make it harder for you to set or maintain a desired holding position.
7. Fish Finder
Fish finders are like sonar for your boat, letting you see what’s underneath the surface. They work by emitting sound waves that bounce back to the device when they hit an object. Fish finders will show you what’s happening under the water in your immediate area, making it easier to find the fish you want and avoid those you don’t. Fish finders come in different varieties, but they all use sound waves to measure depths and display this information on a screen.
8. Landing Net
The most important thing to keep in mind while fishing is landing your catch. The landing net allows you to bring in your catch safely, but the challenge of using a landing net is that you have to basically toss it over the fish and then scoop it out of the water. This is easier said than done, especially if you’re trying to land a large fish.
To add some stability to the landing net, put your hand on top of the handle and push down on your pole as you throw the net over the fish. This will help prevent the pole from buckling under pressure and give you a much better chance of smoothly catching your prize.
9. Lip Grips
Lip Grips are little pieces of silicone that help you learn to fish better. They’re shaped like a small mouth and attach to one of your hooks so you can practice your presentations with a fish-like lip. If you’re fishing from shore, you can hold the grip with one hand and cast with the other. The grip helps you see what it feels like to set the hook at exactly the right moment, and it teaches you how to give a gentle tug and then let go when a fish takes your bait.
10. Rod Holders
There are two types of rod holders: soft and hard. The soft rod holders have a rubber-like material that secures the rod in place while fishing. On the other hand, the hard ones have a rigid plastic frame that holds the rods still and in place. However, there are also some drawbacks to both types. For the soft rod holders, they don’t work as well when it comes to big fish because they move around too much and can easily be pulled out of the holder, but they do work great for small fish species like trout or salmon. Soft rod holders are better in calm waters because they are more flexible to move around with water movement, but this doesn’t mean you can use them in all types of water.
11. Kayak Fishing Clothing
It’s not easy to find appropriate kayak fishing clothing that’s also high quality. From oversized, shapeless shirts to flimsy, see-through pants, it seems like most products marketed towards anglers are designed for a different sport or for someone already on land. I’ve found that the best way to find both functional and stylish clothes is to look at comfort first: you want something that breathes well and keeps you cool in the sun and something that dries quickly if you get soaked by waves or rain. After comfort, look at style: if you’re going to be spending all day on a boat with people who are still being extra polite because they don’t know you well yet, it helps to have some clothes that can improve your appearance.
12. Dry Bag
Dry bags are a simple but indispensable piece of gear for kayakers for short-day trips and extended excursions. Made from a waterproof fabric, they’re used to keep things like electronics and clothing dry when you have them on deck. Whether you’re fishing or just exploring your favorite lake, it’s important to protect these items so they stay afloat if they fall into the water.
13. Flag and Lights
Kayak fishing isn’t an activity that’s generally associated with the word “luxury.” But if there’s one thing that makes kayak fishing more comfortable and relaxing, it’s light. And the best way to get lots of it is to use a kayak fishing flag. The average beam angle of light shines 30 degrees on either side, meaning you can see 30 feet in front of you and 10 feet on either side or a total of 60 feet around your kayak. With a flag waving from the back of your boat, you can extend that cone of vision to 180 degrees around your boat – allowing you to see for hundreds of feet in all directions. And that, in turn, means that you’ll be able to see fish and other wildlife long before they see you!
14. First-Aid Kit
In first aid, a first-aid kit is a collection of medical supplies prepared in advance to be quickly available to treat injuries. In an emergency situation, it is very important to have a first-aid kit ready to use. A well-stocked, properly maintained first-aid kit can be very helpful in the event of an injury until more advanced treatment can be obtained.
15. Kayak Cart
A kayak cart is basically a dolly for your kayak. It allows you to easily carry your kayak from the shore or parking lot to the water. There are many different types of kayak carts, but I think that one that uses an axle and wheels is best for most people. It will allow you to push and pull your kayak on flat surfaces, such as a beach or soft ground.
There are many different options when it comes to purchasing a kayak cart. The best one for you depends on how often you will use it, what material you want it to be made of, and how much money you want to spend on it. If you plan on using your kayak cart every time you go out on the water, then I would recommend spending more money and getting a high-quality cart because it will last longer.
Conclusion
It seems that kayak fishing is an activity that is constantly evolving. There are new accessories and gear on the market every day, but at their core, the concepts remain the same: you head out on the water and go fishing. In this article, we’ve explored kayaking in general, the various types of kayaks, the technology used to keep you safe, and how to fish from a kayak. Whether you’ve been kayak fishing for years or are just thinking about starting, we hope this article has been helpful and interesting to read!
