Kayaking and fishing: A complete guide

Whether you love kayaking, enjoy fishing, or are new to both and fancy trying something new, kayak fishing is a great way to combine these two popular pastimes.

In this complete guide to kayak fishing, we share what kayak fishing is, where you can go kayak fishing in the UK, how to fish from a kayak, which kayak to choose, and much more.

What is kayak fishing?

The perfect way to combine two popular hobbies, kayak fishing is exactly what its name suggests. Although kayaking and fishing are fantastic hobbies on their own, putting the two together provides an additional challenge and can make your days on the water even better. You're sure to love the sensation of bobbing on the water's surface and moving seamlessly along to a new fishing spot whenever you like.

Where can I go kayak fishing in the UK?

There are many amazing places to go kayak fishing in the UK, but there are some things to consider before you head out with your rod and vessel. Regarding kayaking, there are certain waterways you can only use if you have a license. A Paddle UK license covers many of the UK's canals and rivers and is a great place to start when researching whether you need a permit to kayak in your favourite fishing spots.

When it comes to the fishing element of kayak fishing, you likely already know where you're able to go if you're an avid angler. If you're new to fishing, the best first step is to check with your local angling club to see whether you can fish in a particular place. Local angling clubs hold the fishing rights to much of the UK's waterways and can advise you on the rules. The Angling Trust have a handy map which can be used to find clubs and other facilities close to you.

You typically don't need a license to kayak fish in the UK's seas, although some privately owned piers and harbours may have their own rules. Again, checking with your local angling club will give you the necessary information.

How to fish from a kayak

Fishing from a kayak can sound like a tricky adventure, but you'll be an expert in no time. These simple steps can help to ensure you get started in the best possible way.

What to take

The first thing to do when kayak fishing is to collect everything you need together so you can be confident you’ll have a successful trip. Remember to include these fishing must-haves:

• Rod and rod holder
• Tacklebox
• Anchor
• Net

You should also take the following safety items which will give you peace of mind while on the water:

• Personal floatation device or life jacket – Even if you’re a confident swimmer, this is an essential item for ensuring your safety while kayak fishing
• Bilge pump – This will help you to remove water from your kayak, whether this is water from where you’re fishing or rainwater
• First aid kit
• Map or GPS – Unless you know your fishing location like the back of your hand, make sure you have a map or GPS with you so you don’t lose your way
• Whistle or horn for attracting attention in an emergency
• Suncream, sunhat, and sunglasses – Take these to protect yourself even if it looks overcast; the weather in the UK can be deceiving

You’ve got your fishing items and safety essentials; now you need your kayak and a few additional extras.

• Kayak: The type of kayak you choose depends on many factors; we’ll share more on this later in the blog
• Water bottle: It’s important to stay hydrated when out on the water, even if you’re only heading out for a short period
• Snacks: Small, high-energy snacks, such as bananas and nuts, are convenient options for kayak fishing
• Waterproof bag: An essential part of your kayak accessories, waterproof bags are perfect for keeping your keys, phone, and any other important items safe and dry

Packing your kayak

Packing your kayak effectively will help you to have an enjoyable trip. Ensure all items are loaded onto your kayak evenly so that balance isn’t compromised, and keep essential items, such as your fishing rods, in easy reach. Put anything you want to keep dry into a waterproof bag and ensure all items are securely fastened to your kayak to avoid losing anything overboard. Bungee cords and straps are ideal for this. You might also want to attach your paddle to your kayak using a leash to stop this from floating away should it fall into the water.

Your kayak is likely to have a maximum weight, especially if you opt for an inflatable option, so make sure you don’t exceed this when your own weight and the weight of your items are combined.

Choosing a location

Once you've established where to fish and have the right permits and licenses, you can choose your kayak fishing location. Consider where you'll enter and exit your chosen waterway, the water's depth, and the fish species you'll find there. Ensure fishing is permitted where you're going and respect any catch and release rules that may be in place.

What to do if you capsize

There's always a risk of capsizing when using a kayak, but being prepared for this and knowing what to do can make the experience less scary. If you capsize while kayak fishing, you should:

• Try to stay calm
• Assess whether you can get back into/onto your kayak or need to swim to shore
• Get back into/onto your kayak by manoeuvring your kayak so it's upright and pull yourself in/on

If you need to swim to shore, only carry equipment if you can do so safely, and seek help once you reach the shore if you are injured or need assistance.

Kayak fishing tips

Once you know how to paddle your kayak, following these tips will help you have a successful trip:

• Gain an understanding of the fish that will be available to you and the rods, bait, and equipment required to catch these specific types
• Establish your entry and exit points – it can help to check these before you head out onto the water
• Use short paddle strokes to get into position and lower your anchor to secure yourself into place
• Cast your line and reel it in when you catch a fish
• Use a net to bring the fish in once it gets close enough to your kayak
• Pull out the hook and either put it on ice or release it
• Congratulations, you caught your first fish in a kayak!

How to choose the right fishing kayak

Choosing the right fishing kayak for your requirements is really important as there's several different types of kayak on the market. There are a few different factors to consider, these include:

Rigid or inflatable

Neither a rigid nor inflatable kayak is necessarily better for kayak fishing, but inflatable options come with benefits that are attractive to many people. For example, inflatable kayaks are cheaper than their rigid counterparts, can be stored far more compactly, and are easier to transport.

Sit on or sit in

Whether to opt for a sit-on or sit-in kayak depends on personal preference. However, a sit-on option can be better for fishing as it provides more space to move around and isn't as restrictive as a sit-in kayak. Sit-on kayaks are very stable, easy to get onto and off of, and have a higher seat position than a sit-in kayak, providing a better view when fishing.

Size

The size of your kayak is important when considering how you want to use it. Longer kayaks are quicker and have more space than shorter options, but they can be trickier, especially when navigating fishing equipment. A wider kayak is more stable than a narrow kayak, which can be beneficial if you're nervous about tipping, but you'll find that they're fairly slow. This isn't necessarily bad; it depends on how important speed is to you.

Specialist kayak insurance through Insure4Boats

Before you head out on your first kayak fishing trip, you may want to consider protecting your vessel with Insure4Boats specialist kayak insurance.

Kayak insurance provides cover against theft, accidental damage, malicious damage and salvage charges. You can also opt to include Third Party Liability and contents protection, so you have nothing to worry about when cruising the waterways.

Click here to see how we can help or get an instant online quote today.