Limitless possibilities. It’s what kayak fishing is all about.
The mobility and portability of kayaks give us the ability to explore uncharted waters, bringing anglers closer to landing that once-in-a-lifetime catch.
A fishing kayak is great for drafting over the shallow water or getting to areas not accessible to a large boat, giving you peace, solitude, and freedom.
And the key to enjoying all these is to have the right and best fishing kayak setup.
Join me in this article as I run through everything you need to know about fishing kayaks and how to set them up to ensure you catch more fish and have the best kayak fishing experience every time.
What Is A Fishing Kayak?
A fishing kayak is like a normal kayak except it comes with special features and accessories that make life a lot easier for kayak anglers to be organized and fish well on the water.
They come with features like external tackle storage areas for your fishing gear that you can secure with a bungee, flush mount rod holders, waterproof internal storage hatches, an anchor system, and even a mount or two for a device like a Humminbird PiranhaMax 4 Di fishfinder or trolling motor.
If you still don’t have a fishing kayak, take a look at my review of the top fishing kayaks under 1000 bucks. There are enough options in there, and I’m sure there’s one right kayak for you.
Can you fish from a regular kayak?
Technically yes, you can fish from regular kayaks, but it’s most probably not going to be a fun trip.
Regular kayaks do not have a single rod holder for your rod…
Regular kayaks do not have a single rod holder for your rod, limited places to store or carry lures and baits, and not much room for rigging anything either.
This all ends up in a disorganized mess, believe me, I’ve tried it. Growing up by the sea without a boat but being about as addicted to fishing as many anglers can be, I turned to a regular kayak, and my personal experience of it was not positive.
There was nowhere to put my fishing gear, store my paddles, my fishing poles kept sliding around trying to escape overboard the whole time and as soon as I tried to fish there was no anchor and I drifted a million miles an hour.
The whole experience was just frustrating, I didn’t catch squat, and safety was an issue too – it took it as a sign and I didn’t fish from a regular one ever again. You don’t even need the best inflatable fishing kayak as even a budget one will work better at the very least.
Types Of Kayaks
There are a few different types of kayaks out there. Some may offer more security, while others will give you more space for storage. A tandem fishing kayak will have room for two or more people. It’s best to know a bit about each of them before picking the best boat/kayak for your fishing adventures.
Sit On Top
A sit-on-top kayak is exactly what it sounds like, you’re sitting on a seat on the top of the kayak high above the water.
Your hands and legs are free and open, and there is a load of storage space on deck for your fishing gear, internal storage hatches for your fishing tackle box, and more.
This type of kayak is used most for kayak fishing setup as the open design makes fishing easier…
This type of kayak is used most for a kayak fishing setup as the open design makes fishing easier, increases storage space for anglers, and makes their fishing gear a lot more accessible on the water.
Sit Inside
A sit-inside kayak has an internal seat and your legs sit inside it, covered by the top deck and above the hull.
These are great for paddling around and looking at birds, but the closed deck system leaves no space in front or behind the seat to carry your fishing gear, add rod holders, or have much deck space to secure any extras.
Motorized
A motorized kayak is usually a sit-on-top that comes with a mount for a trolling motor so you can get to your fishing spots quickly without having to paddle. They are the ultimate when it comes to fishing on big lakes or in saltwater as you can cover a much larger amount of water.
Pedal
A pedal kayak is another ultimate choice for kayak fishing. Instead of using a paddle and your hands, you use your feet to pedal the kayak where you want it to go. This keeps your hands free for fishing-related tasks like casting your rods while chasing fish with the pedals, getting bait ready, or landing a fish.
Is a sit-in or sit-on-top kayak better for fishing?
It touched on this earlier and if you were taking notes you’ll know that a sit-on-top kayak is far better for fishing on.
The open space gives kayak anglers a lot of room to put all the gear they need onboard thanks to the open deck. They can also mount a device on the side like a fish finder and generally create a personal layout that suits their needs on the water.
A sit-in kayak offers none of these options and is much harder to set up for fishing due to the closed deck.
How do you build a kayak for fishing?
Now that we have run through all the types of kayaks, let’s dive into the details so you can create the ultimate fishing kayak setup for you.
How to setup a kayak for fishing
When it comes to setting up a kayak for fishing, a kayak angler needs to think about three things: gear organization & accessibility, safety, and paddling.
If you have a stand up fishing kayak or stand up paddle board, you’ll also want to think about how you’ll be using it.
Gear Organization and Accessibility
When it comes to your gear, you want to ensure it’s all secure and that everything has a dedicated storage area that doesn’t cause tangles, and that you can access from your seat.
Your best bet is to measure the outdoor storage areas, internal hatches, and layout all the gear you need, and then build from there.
Almost every fishing kayak comes with an area that fits a milk crate perfectly…
Almost every fishing kayak comes with an area that fits a milk crate perfectly and it’s a great way to store tackle, bait, accessories, a battery for a fish finder or trolling motor, and anything else you need. Plus it makes taking your gear on and off the fishing kayak a breeze.
TIP
If a milk crate does fit, load the crate up with your fishing tackle box, bait, plus any extras, and secure it with a bungee so it can go overboard.
Most kayaks have built-in dry storage for equipment or gears that need to not get wet such as spare clothes, camping gear, food, and other personal items.
You should have one or two rod holders behind you for trolling and one more holder in front for a fishing pole you can cast out quickly if you see some fish while trolling. This keeps your rods out the way, they won’t tangle, but you can pick them up in an instant when you hook up.
Safety
Safety is key when setting up a kayak and you should make sure you balance the weight when loading up for your trip. This will ensure you don’t capsize in rough water and can paddle properly. It’s also a good idea to pack extra clothes and rain gear just in case it turns into wet weather.
NOTE
You should also make sure you wear a quality lightweight PFD (personal flotation device) every time you go out, as a lightweight personal floatation device can and will save your life in an emergency.
Padding Setup
When creating a system for your gear, one of the best tips I can give you is to think about your paddling, where your paddle goes and choosing the best paddle (a lighter weight paddle).
Sit in the kayak and pretend to paddle with your gear inside it – are there no rods in the way?
When you hook up, can you store your paddle easily?
If you answer yes to both of these, then your time on the water will be a lot easier.
What gear do I need for kayak fishing?
Whenever you go out fishing on a kayak there are some safety essentials you should always have with you to make sure your adventure is as safe as possible.
Some anglers refuse to buy these safety essentials to save money. Don’t be like them. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Here is a list of things to ensure you have.
Life Vest / PFD – You should always be wearing a lightweight PFD (Personal Floatation Device) as you’re alone out there and anything can happen. If you still don’t have a PFD, here’s my review of the best kayak fishing PFD.
Sun Protection – When fishing in very high heat, use sun protection cream, wear polarized sunglasses and a fishing hat, and bring plenty of water to keep you hydrated. As an added protection against UV rays, you can also mount a good fishing umbrella to your kayak.
First Aid Kit – Fishing involves hooks, knives, pliers, and accidents happen. When they do you’ll need to patch yourself up.
Bilge Pump – If you take on too much water, you’ll need a manual bilge to get the water out fast.
Radio – This will allow you to communicate with other vessels in the area and get help quickly if you need it.
Soft Waterproof Bag – These are perfect for storing any valuables like your phone or radio for getting assistance when you need it plus any extra layers that need to stay dry like a rain jacket or fleece.
To help you more about kayak fishing gears, watch the video below…
Do I Need An Anchor For Fishing In A Kayak?
It depends on where you’re fishing and your techniques. If you’re in an area with a lot of current like a lagoon in the Florida Keys or on a river, being able to drop anchor lets you hold on top of a fishing spot instead of drifting over it.
NOTE
Having an anchor system can also get you out of trouble.
If something goes wrong out there and you can’t paddle, you’ll be able to hold in one position where help can find you instead of drifting around with the wind and or tide.
An anchor trolley is a good choice. It uses pulleys and a cord to route the anchor line to the stern or bow of the kayak, allowing it to turn into the wind or current without capsizing.
Kayaking Out
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it and found all the tips you need to set up your kayak for fishing.
It’s all about organization, accessibility, safety, and paddling. If you hit all those tips on the head, then you could be fishing and have fun in a tournament in no time.
If you found this fishing kayak setup guide useful, please share it around with your fisherman buddies and if you shop online, have a look at some of my other articles like this review about travel rods – I cover everything you’ll need for your next fishing adventure. If you need a tackle box for you trip, check out this helpful review.
