Reel it in: Guide to Fishing From a Kayak or Canoe

Fishing on a canoe or kayak is an exhilarating way to merge the joys of paddling with the thrill of angling. Whether you're navigating a serene lake or a rushing river, we’ll cover everything from choosing the right gear to mastering the art of casting in tight spaces to help you make the most of your waterborne fishing adventures.

Many anglers fish from kayaks and canoes because they are smaller, quieter watercrafts that allow access to shallower, more remote waters. This gives anglers a better viewpoint, the opportunity to catch a wider variety of fish, and steer clear of crowded fishing spots.

Because canoes and kayaks don’t require motors, electricity, gasoline, or other harmful chemicals, they have minimal environmental impact. This characteristic contributes to sustainability efforts and helps ensure fishing can be enjoyed for many generations to come.

Fishing on a canoe or kayak also increases the inherent challenges of the sport that every angler loves. Rather than standing on shore or in shallow water, anglers have to fish while balancing and maneuvering their boats.

Choosing between fishing in a canoe or a kayak largely depends on personal preferences, specific fishing needs, and the conditions where you plan to fish.

Kayaks are better for solo fishing and rougher waters because they’re smaller and more aerodynamic. Canoes are better suited for group fishing and calmer bodies of water because they’re larger and more stable.

When making your choice, be sure to consider which boat you can feasibly transport and store. While it’s nice that canoes have more space for gear and movement, you might only have the space and equipment to store a smaller, lighter kayak. Remember: if you can’t transport your boat, you can’t use it.

Almost anyone can fish from a canoe or a kayak, but you may be better suited for one watercraft than the other. To help you discover which option fits your fishing style and preferences, we’ve compared them below.

Choosing a canoe that fits your fishing style increases your chances of having successful outings. Although there are many types of canoes, you should look for ones with increased storage capacity, built-in rod holders, elevated seating, and cup holders to make angling more comfortable.

Choosing between a traditional or solo canoe depends on how many people you usually fish with.

Traditional canoes are longer, wider, and built for two or more people. They have more storage space, are more stable, and can be multi-purpose. However, they can be difficult to steer because they require multiple paddlers to work in sync.

Solo canoes are smaller and designed for one person, making them easier to store and transport. They are less stable but more agile and easier to control. If you want to fish with multiple people, have them bring their own canoe and fish alongside you.

The size of your canoe is just as important as the type you choose because they are built for different purposes. Longer canoes are made for calmer waters, while shorter canoes are made for rougher waters.

You also need to make sure the canoe size you choose has enough room and high enough weight capacity for you, your gear, and any additional anglers (if relevant). As with choosing between canoes and kayaks, be sure to consider your transportation and storage capabilities.

Canoes can be used for many fishing activities, making it easy to reel in your preferred fish species. Let’s take a look at the types of canoe fishing and their recommended canoe size, target fish, and advantages over traditional fishing.

The fishing kayak you choose can make or break the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of your fishing endeavors. As with canoes, you should look for kayaks with ample storage space, built-in rod holders, cupholders, paddle holders, and elevated seats.

When shopping, keep in mind that river kayaks and ocean kayaks are different—you need to know where you’ll be fishing before making a purchase.

The first major difference you’ll notice between kayak types is sit-in vs. sit-on-top. Anglers have debated which is best for decades, but it really comes down to personal preference.

Sit-in kayaks provide more protection from the elements, especially in colder climates, but they can make accessing gear, casting, and reeling more difficult because there’s less room for movement.

Sit-on-top kayaks are most popular for fishing because they’re easy to enter and exit, have more space for gear, have higher seat positions that give a better viewpoint, allow you to stand up if needed, and tend to be more stable.

Although paddle kayaks—kayaks steered with oars—are more common for fishing because they’re quieter and have fewer opportunities to get caught in vegetation, pedal kayaks come with some benefits worth considering.

Pedal kayaks use foot pedals, propellers, and fins to move the boat forward and backward. They keep your hands free at all times, are generally less tiring than paddling, and can generate more speed.

However, they can get caught in vegetation, so they can’t go in shallow waters. The pedals also take up space in the kayak you could use to store gear.

Like inflatable canoes, inflatable kayaks are made from high-strength, puncture-resistant materials like PVC and reinforced with a drop-stitch construction. Their appeal lies in their easy portability and cost-effectiveness, which make kayak fishing more accessible.

Despite their benefits, inflatable kayaks are easier to damage than their traditional counterparts and have lower weight limits, which may not suit your fishing style.

Different kayak sizes have distinct characteristics you must consider when choosing one. Longer kayaks are faster and have more space for gear, but they are more difficult to steer and fit into small spaces. Shorter kayaks are slower and less stable, but can be used in smaller spaces.

Wider kayaks are stable but move slower, while narrower kayaks are faster and less stable. When making a purchase, make sure the kayak’s weight capacity is high enough to fit you and your gear and that the cockpit is large enough to sit comfortably and get in and out of easily.

When it comes to kayaks, there is no one-size-fits-all option. Try out different sizes before you buy one.

There are many types of kayak fishing, each with its own benefits. Below are different kayak fishing activities and their recommended kayak size, target fish species, and advantages over traditional fishing.

While every fishing excursion may be different, there are ten steps that can help make fishing from a kayak or canoe successful every time. We’ve listed them out for you below.

• Research the area and native fish

• Organize and prepare your gear

• Calmly enter the water

• Note your exit point

• Use short paddle strokes to find your position

• Cast the anchor—be sure to hold the line while dropping it

• Sit up straight while casting

• Reel the rod in when you feel a fish on the hook

• Use a landing net to catch the fish once it’s close

• Pull the hook out of the fish and put it on ice

In addition to the steps outlined above, you should know how to load, enter and exit, paddle, and right your boat. Fishing on a kayak or canoe also requires anglers to learn new casting and scouting techniques. Below are some tips to guide you.

To ensure your safety and comfort, carefully load your gear onto your kayak or canoe using the following guidelines:

• Distribute weight evenly throughout the boat

• Pack strategically (compact but easily accessible)

• Secure your gear with ropes or bungee cords

Getting in and out of a kayak or canoe can be difficult for beginners. However, with the right techniques, you’ll quickly become a pro. Below, we’ve broken down entry and exit strategies by boat.

To enter and exit your kayak:

• Find a stable spot on shore or in shallow water free of rocks, debris, and strong currents

• Place the kayak parallel to the shore with the bow facing outward

• Use the paddle to hold yourself in place

• Put your other hand on the side of the kayak and slowly lower yourself into place

• Keep your weight centered

• When you’re ready, use the same steps to exit the kayak

To enter and exit your canoe:

• Find calm water near the shore or a dock

• Position the canoe parallel to the dock or shore and stabilize the canoe by tying it to the dock, wedging it against a solid object, or having someone hold it

• Step in one foot at a time, placing your feet on the centerline

• Keep your center of gravity low

• Use your paddle for stability if needed

• When you’re ready, use the same steps to exit the canoe

Oars and paddles have specific techniques that make kayaking and canoeing easier. Although there are countless paddling techniques out there, the basic ones you should know are:

• Forward: Pulling the paddle blade through the water in a deep, smooth motion alongside the boat to move forward in a straight line.

• Reverse: Pushing the paddle blade backward through the water alongside the boat to move it slowly backward.

• Sweep: Moving the paddle in a wide, arcing motion to turn the boat.

• Draw: Placing the paddle blade in the water and pulling it toward the boat to move it laterally.

• Pry: Putting the paddle blade vertically into the water close to the boat’s hull and pushing away from it to move the boat in the opposite direction of the push.

Casting in a canoe or kayak is different from casting on dry land because you have less space to move and have to focus on balancing. To cast in your boat, it’s best to use a shorter rod, keep your elbows low, use a sidearm cast, and use a lighter lure.

Alternatively, you can use a breakdown or telescopic fishing rod. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s compatible with your rod holders.

Although both traditional fishing and fishing from a kayak or canoe require anglers to research the types of native fish and location-specific regulations to be successful, fishing from a boat requires additional scouting.

To keep yourself safe, make sure you know your launch points and exit points, as well as the water depth, currents and flow direction, and common hazards in the area.

Navigating open waters can feel daunting to newcomers, but there are a few things you can do to simplify the process.

• Always be aware of the current strength and direction

• Keep the shore in sight

• Learn to use a GPS or fish finder

• Be aware of other boats to avoid collisions and line entanglements

A common fear that prevents anglers from fishing in a canoe or kayak is the risk of capsizing. While capsizing can be scary, being prepared can boost your confidence. If your boat capsizes:

• Stay calm.

• Keep hold of your paddle if possible.

• Try to right the boat by grabbing the side and pulling yourself up. Your body weight will help flip it.

• If there is water in the boat, grab the side and move it from side to side to slosh as much water out as possible.

• Use the paddle and side of the boat to help you climb back in.

• If you can’t right the boat, swim to shore.

• Use breaststroke or doggy paddle to conserve energy. If you get tired, float on your back with your feet pointed downstream.

Safety should be your first priority when fishing on a canoe or kayak. Below are some tips for making your fishing adventures both safe and successful.

• Wear the right clothes for the season and activity

• Always wear a life jacket, even if you know how to swim

• Know your physical limits and don’t push them

• Check the weather and avoid outings during bad weather

• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings

• Have an emergency plan (i.e. emergency contacts, estimated start and end times, etc.)

Other than the boat and paddle of your choice, there’s some essential gear you’ll need to make fishing from a canoe or kayak safe, successful, and enjoyable. We’ve outlined them for you below.

• Fishing rod and rod holder

• Boat anchor

• Landing net

• Tackle storage

• Fishing line

• Hooks, baits, and lures

• Water and non-perishable food

• Sun protection (SPF, long sleeves, hat, sunglasses, long pants)gh john

• A PFD or life jacket

• Safety whistle

• Distress signals (strobe lights, flares, reflective tape)

• Bilge pump

• Tow line

• First aid kit

• Navigation and communication tools

Mastering the art of fishing from a canoe or kayak opens up a world of rewarding opportunities for anglers seeking adventure and connection with nature. Whether you choose the stealth and accessibility of a kayak or the stability and space of a canoe, Academy Sports + Outdoors has everything you need. Check out our range of fishing gear, kayaks, and canoes today!