100+ Kayak Fishing Tips from the Pros

Kayak Fishing Experts Share Their Secrets to Make You a Better Kayak Angler

This yak pack will not disappoint. Meet the experts we interviewed, get their top tips, learn how they approach new bodies of water, get advice on gear, tech, and fishing apps. Continue reading to browse over 100 different tips from the kayak fishing pros.

Chapter 1 - “What are your top three kayak fishing tips?”

Jump to Chapter: Top | Tips | New Water | Technology | Gear | Last Words | Inspiration

“What are your top three kayak fishing tips?”

Tim Perkins

1. Keep it simple

2. Be organized

3. Study the game

Marty Hughes

1. First, be organized and keep things simple.  Have three to four “go to” combos that have a particular purpose. Having a couple rods with deep baits like a jig or worm and a couple more with moving baits like a square bill and a chatterbait will help you search for fish.  You might have a topwater combo ready as well. I like to have a war eagle buzzbait ready all the time. My favorite finesse bait is the “Neko” rig.

2. Your tackle should be organized in waterproof plastic boxes and labled for quick access.

3. If you really want to become a master angler, the key is spending more time on the water. The more time on the water the more success you will have.

Russell Johnson

1. Have confidence in your selections. The same bass lure will catch the same fish whether your on a northern body of water or southern.

2. Enjoy yourself, you’ll never see what’s in front of you the same again

3. Be consistent. You don’t have to be the best. Being consistent leaves you in a place to become even better.

Alex Burton

1. Use the kayak to your advantage. We can get into a lot of places boat and shore anglers can’t either due to access or shallower water. It’s a great way to find some low pressured areas.

2. Get a good anchoring system. It will completely cut time wasted on adjusting your position and allow you to thoroughly fish an area.

3. Stay organized. Keep your most frequently used items in reach or easily accessible. Don’t fall into the habit of tossing stuff into your crate that you will have to dig awkwardly for later.

Bill Sikora

1. First, learn as much about the area before you fish it, learn about what different species of fish are present, and what other bodies of water, if any, are feeding this body of water.

2. Secondly, ensure that you are in fact allowed to fish this area…there is nothing worse than unloading your kayak and gear only to be kicked out of the area.

3. Third…and most importantly, ensure that there is a safe launch and if you are going alone, make sure someone knows where you will be.

Jared Esley

1. First off, you can watch all the YouTube videos you want or read every piece of info out there on Kayak fishing, but you will never truly improve until you just keep doing it over and over.

2. Next, pack light, I’ve seen anglers make the mistake of packing every piece of fishing gear that have onto their kayak and this allows them to lose focus on actually fishing. Bring only what you truly need and stick to a few lures until you build confidence in that.

3. Lastly is to choose the right kayak that fits you. I’ve seen many people buy a kayak and get rid of it quick because it just wasn’t right for them. Please be sure to test out the kayak before you purchase it, this will make a world of difference

Eric Muhoberac

1. Study the layout of the water.

2. Check the tides.

3. And check the weather.

Cody Prather

1. Learn new techniques every year. Grab a new bait and go build confidence with it.

2. Learn how to breakdown a small area.  Start small…pick a good looking area and fish it until you figure out how to catch em’. You may have days with no bites, but you learn from that too.  It will teach you how to break down large areas quickly and get you familiar with the signs you need to make a solid decision on where to fish on tourney day.

3. Learn your gear. Every rod has different feel. Different Rods perform in different ways with each bait. Find what works for you. Learn how to make those hard casts.  Learn your limits with your particular kayak. How do you position to flip trees, cast under trees on the bank, feel your bait in 20’ of water with a stiff wind. Time on the water teaches you these things.

Chris Payne

1. Slow down. Find out what the fish want and pay attention to where they are relating. Patterning is a major help.

2. Pay attention to wind. Not only is it important for locating fish but it also can make for a bad time after a long day. Always try to start your day going into the wind if possible.

3. Try new techniques. And when you do, spend the whole day doing it. I will force myself to only take that gear for the day. If I want to fish, I have to fish that way. Building confidence in many styles gives you a better chance of finding something that works.

Jacob Jesionek

1. Utilize technology in the kayak. There are affordable options such as the ANGLR Bullseye and Deeper Sonar that drastically improve fishability.

2. Invest in a pedal kayak, they are absolutely the way to go if you are a die-hard kayak angler. Having two hands free and still being able to work a drift is something that will take your game so much higher if you currently paddle.

3. Get down to 4 main rods. This way you avoid crowding the boat and know exactly what baits you prefer on each rod. I typically have a baitcasting braid on a heavy topwater/jig rod, baitcasting braid with a leader tied to a spinnerbait/chatterbait rod, a light spinning rod for dropshotting, and a spinning rod for small swimbaits/wacky rigs.

Eric Siddiqi

1. Put the work in. Learn to use all the resources available to you to learn a Lake. Use every source you can for bottom contours, paper maps, Navionics, FishSmart, etc. will all show you something a little different. Learn to use your electronics effectively to find fish and know what you‘re looking at and where to cast. Knowing what you’re looking for is a huge advantage on the water and will give you confidence in being able to find fish, whatever the conditions.

2. There is something to be said for having confidence in a bait, it helps you to stick with it when the fish aren’t biting for one reason or another. I’ve found that stepping out of your comfort zone by learning and building confidence in a new bait or technique can help you a lot in the future. You never know what you may need to throw to catch fish on any given day on any given body of water and having confidence in many different techniques may be the difference between winning a tournament or skunking and finishing last.

3. Be prepared for anything that may happen on the water. Know your kayak inside and out, know how to fix any problems that may arise and be prepared to fix them. Have backups for your backups, whether it’s lures, rods, mirage drives, batteries, etc. make sure you are ready for anything. Last but not least, always where your PFD!

Chapter 2 - “How do you break down a new body of water on a kayak?”

Jump to Chapter: Top | Tips | New Water | Technology | Gear | Last Words | Inspiration

“How do you break down a new body of water on a kayak?”

Tim Perkins

1. Homework. Paper maps, Computer mapping like google earth.

2. Take into account the seasonal stage of the lake. Spring, Summer, Fall ,Winter.

3. On the water experience.

4. All the above should have eliminated 90% of the lake, now use your practice to comb through the other 10%.

Marty Hughes

The first thing to do is eliminate water.  When paddling or peddling a kayak there is only so much area a person can cover in a day compared to a motorized boat. Doing your homework on any lake helps. Starting with a paper map can help tremendously in targeting areas that might hold fish before you arrive at the lake.  Most paper maps can be ordered online. My priority would be main points, channel breaks, rocks, vegetation, and structure such as brush piles or road beds. I also look for shallow areas that have steep drops nearby.

Russell Johnson

I use Google maps. Search water paddling trails and do your research. Look at NOAA weather maps for wind.

Alex Burton

I like to start with a quick paddle around looking for wind breaks and current I need to be aware of. I also pay attention to my depth finder monitoring depth changes and looking for cover.

Bill Sikora

I will first look at the area on Google Earth to see where it leads, what feeds it, and I will also Google it by name to see if there have been any previous fishing reports about it.

Jared Esley

I first like to study it on a map such as google earth. I look for launch areas to begin with and then start looking for structure in the water such as oyster beds, sand flats and channels. Once I’ve done my homework on the area I start with what looks to be the most promising area of the body of water. One thing I never do when I fish is stay in one area for a long time, I am constantly moving and searching for fish. This is especially true when fishing a new body of water, never get to caught up in one area, if results aren’t being produced move on to the next area until you find them.

Eric Muhoberac

PFD first and my rods are set up topwater, suspending, and bottom. That way you cover the whole water column.

Cody Prather

Research is key.  Google Earth for a general view of the lake. Any past articles done on the lake and tournament results. This is key for bait selection, depth ranges, and fish size to target. Then I look for fish activity.  Will they move? I look for smaller areas that present a lot of options. Shallow water with structure and deep water close by with points or structure. I always want the ability to adjust with the fish if they move on Tournament day.

Chris Payne

I like to start with a topographical map, analyze key spots by time of year and water temp, and then go graph those areas. While I’m there, I look for other contours and structure changes under the water.

Eric Siddiqi

When I head to a new body of water I start by looking at Satellite images and contour maps to look for the area(s) I want to fish based on time of year, weather conditions, and other factors. Once I’ve located the areas I want to fish, I will look for public ramps close to those areas. When I’m out there I will work on actually locating the fish and finding out what they want to eat.

Chapter 3 - “What technology or fishing apps do you use?”

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“What technology or fishing apps do you use?”

Tim Perkins

Tech: I use computer mapping like Google Earth. I also use the computer to search fish studies. I rely on GPS to the point I’m lost without it on the water.

Apps: I’ve used navigation apps on and off the water to fine tune a particular area.

Marty Hughes

Tech: Using a sonar unit helps tremendously in locating submerged structure and fish, especially when looking for baitfish.  Many kayak fishermen use sonar today. Many units also have side image and down image which helps locate those big fish you are looking for in a lake. I also like to get on the Navionics app and check out the lake before I arrive to fish. Again, eliminating water is key as there is not much time to once you select an area to fish.  I also use the ANGLR app to record my trip which helps accumulate data that can be used for future trips on that particular lake.

Apps: As I mentioned before, Navionics is a great place to start.  You can locate structure, vegetation, submerged channels, and areas that are previously marked by other previous fishermen.  The ANGLR fishing app also helps us as we can research through a previous fisherman on that lake by playing their recorded fishing trip if a trusted buddy shares it with me.

Russell Johnson

Tech: Tech is very important. I use it to find current, water level, and rise and fall trends. Also, Lithium batteries for motor usage and depth finder power.

Apps: Any app that will help you understand weather forecasts and track weather patterns while you fish.

Alex Burton

Tech: I use satellite images to get a feel for best places to put in and paddle to first. Quick searches on Google for any tips in forums and fishing reports. Along with a portable sonar system and other systems for data collection like the ANGLR Tracker and Bullseye for past data.

Apps: The only fishing app I use currently is the ANGLR app. Easily store fishing data and mark waypoints for future use. I do use a hunting app oddly enough for weather data, pressure readings, and things like that.

Bill Sikora

Tech: When I fish a new area, I always use a Fish / Depth Finder to look at water depth, underwater structure, drop off’s, ledges, etc.

Apps: The only time I have previously used apps, they were for recording online tournament catches. I would upload my catches and cull fish, as well as keeping on top of the leader board.

Jared Esley

Tech: I usually don’t use technology, but at the beginning of this past year I invested in a drone. It was not really to find fish but more to survey an area. This comes in handy because I am paddling, if the tide is low and I’m unsure if the area has water I will fly it to make sure. It also helps me to learn the area at a much faster rate, I can see everything you would on google maps but in much higher detail and in real time.

Apps: The only apps I use are ones to monitor wind, tide, and weather. Wind alert, tide charts, and the weather channel.

Eric Muhoberac

Tech: I’ll use arial maps to get the layout of the body of water I’m fishing

Apps: No opinion.

Cody Prather

Tech: Electronics are key. I use C-Map Genesis to create my own maps and Genesis Live Maps to give me the latest contours as I’m covering water. Recording trips allows me to go back and see what I missed or better break down the structure I am fishing. I use ANGLR to give me an idea of hot spots, feeding times, and feeding conditions. Google Earth is key to reading the bank and matching good bank areas or deeper areas found on Navionics web app.

Apps: Really, the only fishing app I use is ANGLR. I keep logs of everything. This is really important on lakes that I don’t get to everyday. I can look back on trips from two years ago and see how conditions affected the day. Determining a depth range of the fish is important and key to areas that will hold fish.

Chris Payne

Tech: GPS and maps are key to being able to locate spots and a good log of temp, day, and conditions really helps narrow it down.

Apps: I use Navionics, ANGLR, Windy, and MyRadar all on and off the water to determine patterns, condition, and location.

Jacob Jesionek

Tech: On the water I utilize the ANGLR Bullseye and Deeper Smart Sonar as my two primary technology features. With the ANGLR Bullseye, I am marking every feature on the water that i notice. Rock bottom, vegetation, accessible bank, submerged logs, etc. This will not only help me notice features of the lake while fishing, it will allow me to better study how I fished in my down time and give me better odds at stacking fish next outing. I also recommend the Deeper Sonar if you are an avid kayak angler as it is tiny, holds a days worth of charge, and has all the features a kayaker would need in terms of seeing what’s below your boat.

Apps: I use the ANGLR fishing app to see what my day on the water looked like. By patterning bites and locations of bites, i allow myself to have better odds of finding the fish next time i get out on the water.

Eric Siddiqi

Tech: I use my Navionics off the water to find spots I think may hold fish for one reason or another. I then use my electronics to locate structure, cover, and fish. I will also use my electronics to stay on the fish or spot once I’ve located it.

Apps: I will use my Navionics or FishSmart app on the water to help locate structure I have marked to check out. When I am on TVA Lakes I use the TVA Lake Info app to keep track of the amount of water being pulled at the dam. I also use Weather Bug and MyRadar to keep track of the weather throughout the day.

Chapter 4 - “What are three pieces of kayak fishing gear you never leave the shore without?”

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“What are three pieces of kayak fishing gear you never leave the shore without?”

Tim Perkins

1. Great PFD (personal flotation device)

2. Great gear storage to keep your personal items safe in case of emergency like your phone, keys, wallet.

3. Water

Marty Hughes

1. PFD

2. Paddle

3. Pliers

There is so much more, but these three will keep you alive and well in most situations.

Russell Johnson

1. PFD

2. Phone

3. Quality paddle

Alex Burton

1. Life vest

2. Rod leashes

3. My multitool

Bill Sikora

1. PFD

2. Whistle

3. Cell Phone

Jared Esley

1. Life jacket

2. Camera or drone

3. Stake out pole

Eric Muhoberac

1. PFD

2. Net

3. Johnson gold spoon

Cody Prather

1. Net. Lipping a fish in kayak is a recipe for disaster. Flopping fish, treble hooks, and spines are just a few of the dangers

2. Electronics with Down Scan.  Down scan just cuts through the clutter to bring clarity to what the 2D sonar reveals. This is key fishing in water deeper than 5 feet. Good maps keep you in the game when fish change.

3. Drop Shot.  Seriously…even in Texas.  I don’t go anywhere with it. When confidence is slipping and you need to get a bite, this will get it done. Plus, I’ve caught giants on this little rig. “

Chris Payne

1. Life jacket

2. Paddle

3. My Shimano Curado

Jacob Jesionek

1. ANGLR Bullseye

2. Deeper Sonar

3. Smith Sunglasses

Eric Siddiqi

1. Pliers

2. Phone and charger

3. Life Vest

Chapter 5 - “Any last pieces of advice to share?”

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“Any last pieces of advice to share?”

Tim Perkins

Have Fun! Research Kayaks and gear before you go out and buy the cheapest gear. You want to enjoy your experiences but most of all you want to be safe.

Marty Hughes

Always check the weather, have a float plan, and wear your PFD.  Be safe and tight lines my friends!

Russell Johnson

Never give up.

Bill Sikora

Enjoy the Sport, Have Fun, and Be Safe!!!

Cody Prather

Time on the water will heal all ailments!  Nothing can replace the learning you receive wetting a line.

Chris Payne

There is no single best kayak that fits all people. Try before you buy.

Jacob Jesionek

Don’t get discouraged if you get blanked, kayak fishing isn’t easy.

Eric Siddiqi

My advice is to go get a kayak and get on the water.

Chapter 6 - More inspiration and tips!

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More inspiration and tips!

Dave Lefebre has been a pro Bass fishermen for over 10 years. He recently entered and won the Kayak Bass Fishing Northeastern Open. Learn about the kayak he used and how it differs from the competitive fishing he is used to from a boat.

Watch a Walkthrough of Dave Lefebre’s Custom Bonafide SS127

Watch this Dave Lefebre Interview about his KBF 2018 Northeastern Open Win on Lake Erie

Flukemaster has a pretty epic kayak fishing tips playlist here. We highly recommend you check it out for more tips!  Here’s a new video of him giving you a tour of the new Bonafide RS117.