When starting any new hobby, it is crucial to count the cost: the initial investment in equipment, time, and fees. Well, beginner kayak fishing is no exception. But don’t worry, you can get out there catching fish with a few essential items. (It is the add-ons that can really inflate your bill.) So, with a bit of knowledge and a lot of self-control, kayak fishing on a budget is doable.
Kayak Fishing Gear
Essentials:
- Kayak & paddle: Ideally, you already have a kayak (or access to one) so you can get a feel for kayak fishing before making a heavy investment. However, if you are starting from scratch, you will find that most kayak anglers prefer a sit-on-top kayak, because of its stability and maneuverability.
- Rod & reel combo: Before you go crazy with multiple rods in a variety of materials and top-of-the-line reels, invest in a good starter kit. At its simplest, fishing needs just a rod, line, and hook. So keep it simple, especially as you are learning all the steps.
- Line & lures: A variety pack of lures can help you go a long way. Local bait shops can be helpful to know what is biting. The key to kayak fishing is to keep it simple. You don’t want to be lugging tons of gear along with you in your kayak.
- Landing net: A net of some kind is very important for hauling in your catch, especially if you want to practice catch and release as it is less traumatic for the fish (and safer for the angler and gear, too).
- Small accessories: A knife and multi-tool like nippers & forceps are also needed to release fish and a bait / tackle box to hold lures and tackle.
Optional (but useful):
- Milk crate or box: Many kayak anglers have found an old milk crate to be an exceptional way to organize gear. It is easily transportable from car to kayak and can be secured to the kayak with bungee cords.
- Fishing vest or pack: A fishing vest or pack is another great investment in organizing yourself and keeping items within reach.
- Polarized Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses can be a game changer in sighting fish and landing them.
Money Saving Tips
- Buy a starter kit: It is ok to start with a beginner set. There are some great combos that come with rod, reel, line, and lures to get you started. It is cheaper to buy a kit rather than individual items
- Shop sales and used gear: Lean into local shops, online marketplaces, and seasonal sales. You can find deals on new or lightly used kayaks and accessories. If you have a friend, it can also be nice to borrow gear (if they are willing) to get a sense of what you like.
- Skip unnecessary items: Practice restraint. It is NOT necessary to have all the things, all at once. Focus on your core gear and build your accessories over time. As you get started, you don’t even know what you need! Wait until you hone your kayak fishing skills and know what works best for you and your situation. Upgrade slowly.
- DIY Modifications: With a little know-how and ingenuity, kayak anglers can make do with some inexpensive, homemade solutions to customize their kayak fishing rig. Check out videos and make your kayak your own.
- Fish local: Especially as you are just getting started, keep the budget low by cutting out travel costs and staying local. There can be the allure of epic fishing around the world, but find local accessible, productive spots close to home before you commit to expensive trips far afield.
Key Take-aways
The biggest thing to know about kayak fishing on a budget is that you don’t need to buy everything at once. Patience is a virtue in this realm. Find a way to get on the water as cheaply as possible, and then you can figure out what you “need” as you go.
Focus on the essentials, shop deals, and enjoy fishing from your kayak without paying an arm and a leg.