Kayaking, like life, is about learning, growing, and handling surprises along the way. Whether you are an expert angler or just throwing out your first cast, don’t let preventable mistakes spoil a good fishing trip. Here are a few common habits that can improve your kayaking game. From preparation to kayak setup to on-water routines, let’s spend more time fishing than managing gear or your kayak.
Don’t let a few missteps turn a relaxing kayak fishing outing into an exercise in frustration. Stay in the action by avoiding these mistakes.
Mistake 1: Treating Your Life Jacket as Optional
Carrying your personal flotation device on the kayak is very different than wearing it. Just because it is within reach doesn’t mean you will have time to grab it and don it before a capsize happens. Emergencies don’t ask if you are ready.
Invest in a comfortable PFD that becomes part of your fishing routine. Get one with pockets that can help with organization, that keeps tools accessible, and that fits well; it should be one that you can wear all day comfortably. Ensure the proper fit: all closures fasten, the jacket sits close without riding up over your chin or face, and it is rated for the conditions you will encounter.
Takeaway: Put your life jacket (PDF) on before launching, not when conditions become threatening.
Mistake 2: Kayak Fishing Without a Paddle
Just because you may have other forms of propulsion (pedal-drive or trolling motor), never leave shore without a paddle. Too many kayaks (fishing or otherwise) have needed rescue because of problems with their primary form of propulsion. You never have guarantees that a cable doesn’t break, a rudder disconnects, or a pedal or flipper cracks.
Having a paddle always gives you the option of a way forward. Even if it isn’t your desired way of moving the kayak, it will get you safely to shore.
Takeaway: Never go up a creek without a paddle.
Mistake 3: Planning for the Fish - but Not the Kayaking Conditions
Speaking of conditions, a kayak angler needs to know more than just which fish are biting. Remember that you are both kayaking AND fishing, so you are responsible for both activities. Know your bait, tackle, and rods, but also check the weather conditions, wind, launch location, and timing so that you are safe out on the water. Leave a float plan with a trusted friend on shore.
Be sure to dress for water temperature (immersion) even if a capsize is unlikely. It is better to be safe than sorry. Layers and extra dry layers are important. If you are feeling that the excursion is pushing you outside your kayaking limits, don’t be shy about calling it and trying again another time.
Takeaway: Choose a manageable outing and make changing conditions a reason to reassess - not push further.
Mistake 4: Fishing Before You Know How to Handle Your Kayak
In addition to knowing the conditions, you should know your craft. Be wary of adding casting, retrieving, and managing tackle if you are also unfamiliar with kayaking. It is wise to spend a few outings focusing on paddling, turning, stopping, and getting comfortable with the ‘yak before adding fishing gear. Make sure you can self-rescue and re-enter your kayak without additional gear before you load it with all your angling equipment.
When you paddle outside your limits, you risk more than your gear; you could cause bodily harm to yourself or others.
Don’t forget Boat Position
Reaching your fishing spot is not the same as staying in a useful position. Don’t get so caught up in casting a line that you forget to keep your boat aligned. Get used to the movement and motion of your kayak so that you can use the water to stay in position. Learn controlled drifting and positioning your casts around the movement of the kayak.
An Anchor Is Not a Shortcut to Boat Control
Anchoring your kayak is not an automatic solution to boat drift and positioning. In fact, it is a skill to anchor a kayak safely. You need to be aware of currents and how they work against the kayak. Don’t anchor in fast current or broadside to flowing water. Be aware of wind as well. Learn to anchor safely and always be aware of your boat’s position even when anchored.
Takeaway: Build confidence handling the kayak before dividing your attention between boating and fishing.
Mistake 5: Packing Kayak With Too Much Gear - and Keeping Essentials Out of Reach
Imagine you’re out on your full-geeked out fishing kayak; you’ve practiced your strokes, checked the conditions, and dropped your line - when you hook the big one. Wait, you look around and can’t find your pliers. The last thing you want is a fish on your line while you try to locate necessary tools in a pile of tackle boxes, crates, electronics, bottles, and snacks.
Make sure you streamline your setup before you launch. Identify items that you need to readily access before you cast your first line: pliers, landing equipment (like a net), safety supplies, and other frequently used tools. A PFD with multiple pockets, as mentioned above, can help with this preparation.
Takeaway: Pack intentionally and test your gear layout before you launch. BKC recommends laying out gear and checking that essentials are within reach while you are on dry land.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Kayak Fit and Seat Setup
Don’t assume that more is better. You might find a fully equipped fishing kayak with all the accessories, but if it doesn’t fit you, it isn’t worth it. A simpler model might be the better choice.
Make sure that the kayak seat adjusts and fits you properly. Ensure that the foot support allows you to brace yourself without over-extending or being crunched over. Check that the paddle length allows you to stroke efficiently. A wider platform and kayak can be more stable, but it needs to be manageable for the individual paddler.
Takeaway: Prioritize a comfortable, controllable setup before adding upgrades. You will be a more efficient paddler AND a more efficient angler.
Mistake 7: Making Too Much Noise as You Approach a Kayak Fishing Spot
Kayaking is often touted as a way to approach fish stealthily, but that depends on the kayaker. If you can glide quietly into your fishing spot, you are golden, but if you are knocking your paddle, dropping gear, slapping the water, or abruptly adjusting your kayak, you have announced your arrival to the fish.
Practice a slower, quieter approach. Invest in sound-dampening padding on your deck. Keep gear in reach so you aren’t shuffling and banging in the kayak. Reduce paddling noises and be patient.
Takeaway: Think about your approach before your first cast. Try to glide into position rather than paddle, and reduce equipment noise and vibrations.
Mistake 8: Wearing Waders on Your Kayak
Some seasoned anglers might be tempted to wear their waders as a warming and waterproof layer while kayaking. This is not safe. Because kayakers should always assume the possibility of immersion, they should not wear rubber or neoprene waders. If you should capsize, the waders will immediately be stuck to your body with the water pressure. It will make them nearly impossible to get off, and then as you sink, they will fill with water, dragging you down to the bottom.
Kayakers should wear water-resistant and quick-drying layers intended for the water temperature, not the air temperature (as stated above, always be ready for a possible capsize event). It is always wise to have a second set of dry clothing stashed in a dry bag.
Takeaway: Waders in a kayak are a safety hazard. You should wear other warming layers that are kayak-appropriate.
Build Better Habits
Many common kayak fishing mistakes can be avoided by reinforcing better habits. Preparation, organization, and practice can all go a long way toward blunder-free outings. As your boat-handling confidence grows, so will your opportunities. Brooklyn Kayak Company’s fishing kayaks and gear are ready to join you on your journey as you grow and improve.