Ideal Water Environments for Novice Kayak Anglers
5-minute read
Kayak fishing is a relatively simple and inexpensive way for anglers to get on the water to access fish more easily than from shore. Some water environments are better than others when you begin your kayak fishing journey.
(Photo courtesy of Juan Gomez)
For novice anglers, it’s most encouraging to experience success with a minimum amount of frustration. The types of waterways you choose as a beginner can greatly affect that, especially if you’re a new angler and a new paddler.
You want to choose environments that are low-risk, easy to access and will provide you with some fishing action.
Depending on where you live, one or more of the following types of waterways may be closest to you:
Small Lakes and Large Ponds
The advantage of small flatwater is that it’s easier to paddle and it’s easier to find the fish than in large bodies of water.
Kayak fishing involves kayaking—whether you use a paddle, pedal-drive boat or electric motor. It takes some getting used to if you’re not already a paddler, so the smaller the body of water, the better.
If you opt for a paddle as your “motor,” you’ll appreciate small, calm water as you learn your strokes and get used to maneuvering your boat where you want it to go. There’s also less chance of bigger and faster boats being on the water, which usually means a better fishing experience.
There’s minimal wind across small water as it doesn’t have a chance to blow across a large area like on a big lake. So waves—if any—are smaller and it’s generally more protected. Unlike rivers, small lakes and large ponds don’t have a current, which also makes things easier for new anglers.
When you start on a small lake or large pond, you’re able to cover the entire thing in one outing. That helps you get to know the bottom structure and discover potential spots more quickly and easily than on big water. Experiencing success early on is always a plus!
Look for shorelines with natural vegetation, areas with dead and submerged trees along the banks and drop-offs for your best chance of pulling in fish.
(Photo courtesy of Anna Taylor)
Slow-Moving Rivers
Slow-moving rivers are another great way to start kayak fishing, especially if your area has few or no small lakes, or just for a different fishing experience.
Some rivers have a slow enough current that you can paddle either downstream or upstream. You can park and launch, fish for a while as you explore the river, then paddle back up to your put-in.
Or you may choose to fish from one launch to another further downstream. You and your fishing buddy can each drive a vehicle, leave one at the end, and carpool up to your starting point with all your gear.
Most rivers offer twists and turns as they wind downstream, which makes for interesting paddling variety. A slow-moving river is a great introduction to current and how that affects both fishing and paddling.
You’ll learn to look for fish in river eddies, undercut banks, near boulders and around trees that have fallen over from the bank.
Protected Bays and Coves
If the water near you consists of large lakes and coastal areas, you’ll want to look for protected bays and coves to begin your kayak fishing journey. Similar to small lakes, these bays offer more protection from the wind and smaller waves. And there’s often less big boat traffic to have to think about.
So the kayaking part of it is easier—and these bays and coves are also where fish often hang out. This increases your chance of success more than on the open water areas that are deeper, more vulnerable to wind and waves, and more frequented by bigger, faster boats.
Look for shoreline areas with plenty of natural vegetation, grass beds and oyster bars. Also watch for the mouths of creeks or small rivers that may flow in—these are promising spots, too.
(Photo courtesy of Juan Gomez)
Saltwater Flats and Marshes
If you live near the coast, your ideal kayak fishing waterways can be shallow and calm saltwater flats and marshes. These offer a lot of structure and protection fish are drawn to. And they’re easy paddling for you.
The main thing to keep in mind for any ocean or coastal kayak fishing is tides, so educate yourself on those for your area. You’ll find information online or through local fishing clubs and paddle shops. Some coastlines experience mild tidal changes while others can have more dramatic ones.
Saltwater fishing means you’ll need corrosion-resistant gear. You may also need heavier tackle if the fish you’re targeting are bigger than those found in freshwater environments.
Look for grass lines, sandbars and tidal creeks for your best chances of fishing success in these areas.
Key in on Kayak Fishing Safety
No matter which water environment you begin with, safety always needs to be top-of-mind. Kayak angling is an extremely safe sport in the environments we discussed here: small lakes, ponds, slow rivers, protected bays, and saltwater flats and marsh areas.
But anytime you’re on water, there’s always some risk. So wear your PFD, fish with others instead of alone, don’t fish in environments above your kayaking skill level, get the weather forecast before you head out, and just be aware.
Read “Top 10 Kayak Fishing Safety Tips” for more on that.
(Photo courtesy of Reggie Chapa)
A great resource to find ideal water environments near you is Facebook groups in your area that focus on kayak fishing. Join one or two of them and ask the other members for local waterway suggestions that are ideal for beginners.
Or hook up with a local paddlesports shop that caters to kayak anglers and they’re sure to point you in the right direction.
Happy fishing!
Reach out to our Wisconsin-based Customer Service team to help you find a kayak fishing paddle that fits your needs and budget! Contact us at 715-755-3405 or bbinfo@bendingbranches.com, or choose our online chat option.
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