Kayak Fishing

Tips for Kayak Fishing

Whether you're a pro angler or a beginner looking for a new way to fish and explore the outdoors, kayak fishing offers it all. And with the right gear and techniques, you'll be on your way to a trophy catch in no time. Here are TackleDirect's essential concepts and tips for kayak fishing:

What Kind of Gear Do You Need for Kayak Fishing?

Let's start with your kayak. TackleDirect has a selection of excellent angler's kayaks for you to explore. For example, we offer the Point 65 Martini GTX, which folds down to a small size so you can easily transport it in the back of your vehicle. It comes standard with integrated, flush-mount rod holders ' an essential for kayak anglers who must paddle while they fish ' and has two deck mounts to maximize available space for gear. There are also more affordable angler's kayaks by Point 65 for entry-level or occasional kayak anglers.

Naturally, when you're fishing from a kayak, you'll have a limited amount of space to store your gear, so we recommend smaller and more lightweight rods and accessories. The importance of choosing the right rod-and-reel combination for kayak fishing can't be understated. You'll want to get a lightweight rod that can withstand the rigors of kayaking, such as the TFG line by Temple Fork Outfitters or the SG series from Star Rods. These rods are unique in that they cast light lures when a fast, long cast is desired. These are important attributes of a good kayak fishing rod.

Generally, graphite or composite blend rods are the best choice because of their lighter weight and increased durability. You'll want to avoid fiberglass rods, as they offer decreased sensitivity, which isn't ideal for kayak fishing. You can overcome storage limitations by using accessories such as rod holders, paddle holders, small coolers and other storage solutions for keeping your gear secure and organized onboard. Add-ons such as compact fishing nets, bait bags for kayaks and kayak stabilizer kits can also help make the most of your kayak angling adventure.

Kayak Fishing Techniques & Required Skills

Multi-Species Targeting:

One of the great things about kayak fishing is that you can easily transport your fishing vessel from one body of water to the next, all in a day's work. Learn the ins and outs of the fish in your target area and bring a plan ' as well as tackle ' that's designed for the specific fish you'll be after.

Boat Positioning:

As long as you always keep your paddle within arm's reach, positioning your boat to optimize your catch shouldn't be a problem. You'll need to be able to repeatedly cast while simultaneously changing your position on the water, so make sure you're able to hold the rod in one hand and the paddle in the other.

Drifting:

You can also use the drifting technique to locate more fish on your expedition. Using this method, your kayak will naturally move downwind and you'll be able to focus on your casting and reeling without worrying about paddling and losing valuable energy.

Upwind Fishing:

The opposite of drifting, upwind kayak fishing is when you're forced to go against the current. A key factor in any successful kayak fishing trip is efficiency - you're the motor, after all. This is a difficult technique for kayak anglers looking to preserve their stamina, but it can be rewarding nonetheless. In order to limit the amount of time you spend fighting the current, take rests using an anchor or by letting vegetation hold you in place.