Top 21 Questions People Ask about Kayak Fishing
12-minute read
Kayak fishing continues to grow, especially in North America, but it’s also spreading to Europe and other parts of the world. Here, we address some of the top questions people ask about kayak fishing.
(Photo courtesy of Chris Funk)
Getting Started in Kayak Fishing
1. What’s the best kayak for fishing?
There are many great kayaks designed for fishing, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
The one you choose will depend on several factors, like your budget, what kind of water you plan to fish, how many extra features you want, how comfortable you want to be, whether you want a pedal-driven boat or paddle-driven, and more.
If you’re new to kayak fishing, we suggest you start by reading: The Best Entry-Level+ Fishing Kayaks [2025 Edition]
2. How do I choose the right paddle for kayak fishing?
As a paddle company, we have a lot to say about this, of course! Here are some keys:
- The length of your paddle is important. You base it on a few different details, like your height and the width of your boat. See our Kayak Fishing Paddle Sizing Guide for details.
- The materials a paddle is made from directly correlate with its weight, comfort and performance. We recommend that kayak anglers buy the lightest paddle they can afford. A lightweight paddle is made with high-quality materials and won’t tire you out during a long day on the water.
- Choose a “high angle” paddle with wide, beefy blades that can haul a lot of water. Fishing kayaks are heavy, and you’ll have extra gear with you to weigh you down. Your paddle needs to be able to handle the load.
We have a lot of online content about choosing a paddle. Here’s one to start with: 6 Mistakes Anglers Make when Choosing a Kayak Fishing Paddle
3. What safety gear do I need for kayak fishing?
The most important safety gear item is a Coast Guard-approved PFD (Personal Flotation Device or life jacket). Choose one that fits your body well and will be comfortable for hours at a time.
PFDs made for kayak fishing often have extra features like zipped pockets and D-rings. They also offer plenty of shoulder room for paddling. And of course, the PFD won’t make you safer unless you wear it. Get in the habit of wearing it whenever you’re on the water.
(Photo courtesy of Chris Funk)
Other safety gear items include a visibility flag or lights, whistle and a First Aid kit. Fishing in cold weather or on cold weather demands extra caution. It’s always wise to “dress for immersion”—to dress as if you might fall in.
For more on kayak fishing safety, read: Top 10 Kayak Fishing Safety Tips. Safety isn’t just about the gear, but also your mindset and skillset.
4. Is kayak fishing safe for beginners?
Absolutely! As long as you follow the safety advice in the link above. Most fishing kayaks are wide and stable enough for anglers to stand while they fish. Here are a few beginner tips to be as safe as possible:
- Get your paddle skills down—know your strokes and become proficient with them
- If you’re new to fishing and paddling, start in very safe water, like small, calm lakes
- If standing while you fish sounds appealing to you, practice standing and sitting on the kayak first, before you add in the fishing motions
- Don’t attempt water environments beyond your skill level
(Photo courtesy of Open Road Visuals)
5. How much does a fishing kayak cost?
Entry-level fishing kayaks from respected brands start at around $600. Nicer paddle-driven fishing kayaks with more standard features are around $1,000 and up. Pedal-driven kayaks cost quite a bit more, starting at about $1,500 and up to several thousand.
Before you buy one, try out several different models from different manufacturers if you can, to see what you like. Paddleshops that specialize in kayak fishing often have demo days. And there’s a pretty good used market as well.
6. Do I need a fishing license to fish from a kayak?
Yes. You need the same license to fish from a kayak as you would to fish from any other boat, or even the shore. Each state or province regulates its own fishing rules, so check with whatever department in your government handles hunting and fishing licenses.
Kayak Fishing Gear and Rigging
7. How do I mount a fish finder on my kayak?
Almost all quality fishing kayaks are set up to make it easy to add electronics like a fish finder. The way you mount it is personal, though. We suggest you watch a few YouTube videos by kayak anglers. There are several that explain their process without tools, drills or adding holes.
Your fishing kayak’s manufacturer very likely has instructions on how to mount one on one of their boats. The paddlesports shop where you purchase your kayak may also be able to help you out.
You don't need a rod set-up this fancy when you're starting out (Photo courtesy of Peter Yeung)
8. What’s the best way to store my fishing rods on a kayak?
All fishing kayaks come with some rod holders. As may be expected, better kayaks often offer better systems and/or more options. Again, rod storage preferences are personal, so you may want to try a few temporary positions before you make any permanent adjustments to your boat.
Many anglers prefer the rod storage that comes with tackle crates, as they don’t get in the way of their casting and reeling. These sit behind the seat instead of along the side of the kayak.
9. How do I install an anchor system on my kayak?
Different types of anchor systems work well for fishing kayaks. The one you use will depend on your budget, ease of use, and the type of water you fish in. The installation process depends on the anchor you choose.
A couple of our Pro Team members have anchoring favorites: Anchor Wizard and Power Pole system. These can be pricey, though, so for a simple solution, just get a simple anchor with a rope you can attach to the side of your kayak for easy access.
(Photo courtesy of Peter Yeung)
10. What are the essential accessories for kayak fishing?
That’s a personal decision, too. The very basics are a good paddle, a PFD that fits you well, sunglasses, chapstick, and your fishing gear. Of course, you’ll need a way to get your kayak and gear to the launch, so probably a rack for your vehicle or a trailer and some cam straps for securing it.
If you don't want to carry a heavy kayak, a kayak cart is a great investment as well. It’ll help you move your kayak around easily.
From there, it depends on your definition of “essential”!
11. Do I need a pedal-drive kayak or a paddle kayak?
The choice isn’t so much a need as a choice. Many anglers love the pedal option, while others much prefer sticking with their paddle.
Here are some of the pros of a pedal-driven kayak:
• You can move hands-free, leaving your hands free to fish
• You can cover more distance faster
• You still have the option to paddle, offering versatility
(Photo courtesy of Mat Willder)
Here are some pros of a paddle kayak (without a pedal system)
• You can fish shallower, weedy water
• You can maneuver more easily
• A kayak is much cheaper and lighter without a pedal system
• There’s no pedal system to maintain
Keep in mind, even if you buy a pedal-driven kayak, you’ll still need a paddle. Many states require it for safety reasons, and most anglers still use one in certain circumstances even when they primarily pedal.
Some of our ProStaffers weighed in on the pedal or paddle question: Pedal Fishing Kayak: To Buy or Not to Buy?
12. How do I carry all my gear without it getting in the way?
Most anglers need some trial and error before they’re happy with how their kayak is rigged out with their gear. We recommend you start with less gear—just what you need and will use at first. Find places for everything, even if it takes a few outings to dial it in. Don’t add more without knowing where you’ll put it.
Tie-downs, bungees, paddle clips and other small but handy items will help. If your kayak has storage hatches, use them.
Read How to Rig Your Fishing Kayak with Function in Mind for more ideas.
Let’s Get Practical
13. How do I launch and land my kayak safely?
The easiest way to do both is from a seated position. Position your kayak so it’s parallel to the shore and floating on the water. Sit sideways on the seat, then simply pivot and bring your feet inside. To land it, reverse the process.
One key is to position your kayak parallel to the shore, not the ramp. Don’t try to walk down the nose. It’s too unstable and you risk stepping on your gear and damaging it and hurting yourself—and capsizing. Your kayak is the most unstable when one end is in the water and the other end is on shore. It’s most stable when the entire boat is floating.
For more, see How to Launch a Fishing Kayak
(Photo courtesy of Open Road Visuals)
14. How do I stay stable and not flip over in a kayak?
Fishing kayaks are designed to be stable. They’re heavy and wide. Still, you want to keep your center of balance in the center of the boat. Don’t make sudden movements with your feet while you stand.
If you’re sitting and want to stand, a pull-rope attached to your boat in front of you will help you stand in one fluid motion. Be sure your feet are placed where you’ll need them before you stand up, because trying to move them after the fact is sketchy.
We suggest you get used to the stability of your fishing kayak without any gear in the boat. Rock it back and forth, stand up and sit down. And also suggest you practice re-entering your kayak from the water. In case you do capsize, knowing you’ll be able to get back on takes a lot of the nervousness away.
See Re-Enter a Capsized Fishing Kayak for all the details.
15. What’s the best way to transport my kayak?
Depending on the size and weight of your fishing kayak, your own strength and what type of vehicle you have, your choices are to transport on top of your vehicle (preferably on a rack) or on a trailer made for kayaks and/or canoes.
(Photo courtesy of Open Road Visuals)
A kayak cart is handy for bringing your boat to and from the launch, and to and from your storage area at home, especially if you often fish alone.
See How to Tie Down & Transport Your Fishing Kayak and How to Load Your Kayak on Your Vehicle
16. How do I land a large fish from a kayak?
Very carefully! You’d be amazed at some of the fish anglers can land from a kayak, even in the ocean. But it requires extra care, gear and paddling skills.
Of course, the no-brainer is to always keep your PFD on and fastened securely. Also, secure your gear to your boat. Other important tips are to use the right gear for large fish, including a reliable and easy-to-reach line cutter.
Only attempt to land a large fish in your kayak if you can do so safely.
We have content on this topic, too: How to Catch Big Fish from Your Kayak Safely
17. What’s the best way to paddle and fish at the same time?
Unless you have four hands, that will be impossible. Where you fish can make a difference, though, as can using a good anchor system.
Fish in calm, sheltered spots where you won’t get blown around or carried off by current and you won’t have to use your paddle as much once you’re at a spot you want to try. If you can set an anchor, you’ll stay relatively in place, depending on your system.
Some anglers like to lay their paddle across their lap in case they need to grab it quickly. Just be careful it doesn’t slip off into the water if you get up or pivot suddenly. Other anglers like to place their paddle in paddle clips or mounts along one of the sides of the kayak. This gets it out of the way securely, but is still within easy reach.
(Photo courtesy of Adam Bridle)
18. Can I stand up and fish from my kayak?
Absolutely! It’ll take some practice to get used to the constant movement of your kayak on the water. But practice a lot in safe water environments, and before long, you’ll feel comfortable standing.
Fishing kayaks are designed for stability, with most assuming you’ll want to stand. Many have standing platforms with “sticky” material to keep your feet from slipping, even when the surface gets wet.
19. How do I deal with wind and currents while fishing?
It can be tricky. If you’re new to kayak fishing, don’t go out when it’s windy, or head to a sheltered bay so it’s not an issue. Wind and waves cause challenges for both fishing and kayaking.
Read How to Cope with Tough Kayak Fishing Conditions for more on that.
Current is a different matter altogether. If you’ll be fishing in rivers, you’ll want to learn how to kayak on rivers—how to read current, handle eddies and maybe even small rapids. You can learn to use currents to your advantage while you fish.
(Photo courtesy of @scottbeautjerfishing)
You’ll want to see Kayak Fishing Tips: Understand River Flow to learn more. And check out this one, too: Swift Water Kayak Fishing Tips.
20. How do I get my kayak from my car to the water by myself?
Whether you use a vehicle rack for rooftop transporting or a kayak trailer, a kayak cart is your best option for getting your kayak from your car to the water when you’re alone.
Fishing kayaks aren’t light, but anglers have found systems that work for them, even those who aren’t big, burly men! Questions #15 above has links to a couple blog posts that'll help you.
One of our ProStaff members wrote this blog for seniors, but the section on getting your kayak from your vehicle to the water applies to anyone. Check it out!
(Photo courtesy of Open Road Visuals)
21. How do I store my fish after I catch them?
Honestly, most kayak anglers practice catch-and-release. If you’re looking forward to a fish fry, though, you have some options:
- If you fish in colder waters that aren’t inhabited by large predators (like gators or sharks), you can use a stringer. This will keep the fish alive and fresh until you’re done. It does produce some drag and could get tangled up in weeds, though, especially if you’re in shallow water.
- You can use an insulated fish bag or soft cooler with ice.
- You can use a hard cooler with ice. Both cooler options take up room on your kayak, which you’ll have to consider.
What paddling questions can our friendly Customer Service team help you with? Contact us at 715-755-3405 or bbinfo@bendingbranches.com, or choose our online chat option.
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