Kayak Fishing: Tips, Tricks and Techniques for Inshore Fishing

Inshore Fishing on A Kayak: Out Top 10  Tips, Tricks, and Techniques

Kayak fishing can seem like an adventurous but intimidating sport for anyone looking at it from the sidelines. IT takes a certain balance and grace mixed with a boatload of enthusiasm and athletic prowess. One thing is for certain, no matter if you are launching from the beach into the ocean, or off of the bank into a dam or river, kayak fishing becomes the ultimate addiction for any fisherman.

Once you have been in the saddle of the kayak and landed your first fish, when hooked for life, and every opportunity you get will take you into the water in search of the next fish from the yak. Learning to get things right on the kayak, can take a bit of knowledge and a lot of experience, but learning a couple of items before you set out for your first launch is probably a prudent move to helping you enjoy your first kayak experience so much more.

Inshore kayak fishing requires a good understanding of a few principles and techniques, let's take a look at some ideas to make you better in the kayak and better behind the rod.

1. Location Is Key, Know Where You Are Going

As we stated in the title, location is key. You do not want to be wasting your time trying to figure out where to fish on your next fishing trip. Pick out an area you think the fish will then fish it. Save yourself time by having this done beforehand. Know the vicinity that you choose to fish. Have an idea where the launch points are so you know exactly where to get in and get out. We know that kayak fishing is a means of exploring areas that often boats cant even access, but waste your time fishing not looking for a spot.

2. Work The Kayak

Chances are you may be a bit out of shape; kayaking requires a decent level of physical fitness for paddling. To get in shape for the kayak, the best thing to do is; get in the kayak. As simple as it may seem, every time you have the opportunity to take the kayak into calm water to practice your paddling skills, the better. If you can’t make it to the water, then take up a fitness routine that focuses on building up your core and back muscles.

Pull-ups, push-ups, and sit-ups should be a staple in your daily fitness routine. The more you stick to constant improvement in your physical fitness, the more you will find you improve in the seat of the kayak, it just takes time and discipline to get there.

3. Rig to Flip and Dress to Swim

Keep this in mind when kitting up for your launch. You should be wearing practical clothes that dry quickly. Your PDF (Personal Flotation Device) is a no-brainier, but you want to be wearing clothes with breathable materials, like board shorts and a rash vest. Rash vests are quick drying and offer real relief from UV exposure. These work well for warm tropical conditions, if you find yourself in colder waters, then a wetsuit or dry suit may be necessary.

Along with the right clothing, you should also make sure that your gear is stowed away securely in the kayak before launching. Hitting a big wave and flipping, then losing all your expensive fishing gear, can be a humbling experience.

4. Have The Right Kayak Fishing Equipment

Scotty Kayak Fishing Gear Guide

Something that can make your life easier while out kayak fishing has the right gear. All this includes picking out the best fishing kayak, paddle, and gear. If you plan to fish a lake or pond, you can do a simple regular kayak. If you are braver and plan to tackle some inshore fishing with it, then it's in your best interest to have a paddle kayak. If you plan to go offshore with a kayak, then you need the biggest Hobie you can buy with a peddle drive.

After you have the right kayak, you then need the right paddle. The paddle that any kayak fishing anglers chose should be lightweight and easy to use. The shape of the paddle is also important for different types of waters. Choose the right shape paddle for the kind of water you will be fishing in.

5. Know The Fish And How To Fish For Them

It is imperative to know what species of fish you could potentially catch in the area you are fishing. If you are lake fishing, then you can likely catch bass, crappie or catfish. If you are inshore fishing, then you can catch redfish, trout or flounder. Research before you get out there. Know exactly how to fish for the species by having the right equipment, bait, and rigs. Do not limit yourself to just one species. Fish for everything that is biting. The more fish you usually catch the better the fishing trip is.

6. Kayak Anchors Are A Must

There is nothing worse than being out on the kayak in windy weather. The wind can often have its way with you, blowing you up and down the waterway. When you finally find the fish you want to be able to stay in one spot. On a windy day is where a kayak anchor is a must. This anchor will help hold the kayak in place allowing for the angler to be able to fish exactly where they want to.

7. Take a Rods Length of Line at all Times

Stop fighting your equipment and frustrating yourself. Always give yourself ample line to make sure you have enough room to bring a fish in and either grab the lure or the fish. Keeping a rods length will help your balance and keep you from throwing yourself overboard or rolling right as you are trying to grab the fish.

8. Use the Right Lures for the Right Fish

Inshore fishing for redfish, snook, flounder, and trout is some of the best types of fishing you can do. No matter if you are fishing with a top-water lure, live bait or jigs, these species are sure to give you a fight. Top-water lures can be very effective when fish are schooling and hitting on bait fish. Fishing with plastics and jigs are a sure way to challenge you and tests your skills in the kayak.

9. Kayak Safety First

Always make sure you have the right gear before you go kayak fishing. Safety should be your number one priority. A mistake with the wrong equipment could put your life at risk. A life jacket is a required piece of equipment that could save your life. Always wear one when you are out on the kayak no matter if you are with someone or by yourself. A whistle is another great thing to have. In an emergency, this could be used to get the attention of nearby anglers if aid is needed. Another great thing to have on the kayak is a first aid kit. You never know when this could come in handy. Always wear the right clothing to protect you from the suns harmful UV rays.

10) Capture The Fun On Video

One thing that everyone likes to see is the experience you had while kayak fishing. Make sure you have a camera mount on the boat or on your hat to capture the exciting things that you will encounter while kayak fishing. Different experiences could be from landing a huge fish or seeing wildlife at its finest. Always be prepared, you never know what you may capture.

The final fin

The kayak can be loads of fun for inshore fishing. It does require a decent level of physical fitness, but once you get in the saddle, you will never look back!