Kayak Fishing Tips For Fishing In The Ocean

Last Updated on September 21, 2023

Fishing from a kayak needs a lot of hand-eye coordination and vessel control, but it becomes much more difficult when you’re out in the ocean. The water is deeper, the fish are more challenging, and you’ll be farther away from shore. Fortunately, you’ve come to the correct place to learn how to become an expert at fishing from a kayak out in the ocean.

Top Kayak Fishing Tips For Fishing In The Ocean

Purchase a High-Quality Paddle

Your paddle isn’t the only piece of equipment you’ll need to bring. A standard kayak paddle is frequently insufficient to bear the stress and strain created by heavy-duty waves. While you should avoid windstorms and rough seas, having a high-quality, thick paddle is still a good idea.

Having a paddle break when you’re on the water can be fatal. Swimming can be impossible if you don’t know how to get back or if you’re kilometers from shore. As a result, you might want to pack an emergency collapsible paddle. It’s always better to be prepared than to risk a dire circumstance.

Remember to Bring an Anchor.

The most critical aspect of fishing from an ocean is to bring an anchor of some kind. The ocean’s waves are significantly more challenging to control than those on a calm lake or river. Setting an anchor on the bottom allows you to remain stationary in an area while fishing.

When sea kayaking, you have various anchoring equipment at your disposal. You can use a tiny traditional boat anchor, a push pin, or a power pole to prevent the waves from pushing your kayak away from the fish you’re attempting to catch.

Pack the Right Fishing Equipment

Knowing your prey is the first rule of fishing. If you’re going out to sea, know what kind of fish you want to capture. Bring the necessary baits or lures and a tackle box containing everything you need. Having doubles means you won’t miss out on possible catches.

One of the greatest methods to determine what type of bait to carry is to consider what the fish consume in their native habitat. Bring clams if they’re looking for them. If they’re eating worms, bring plenty of worms. Following this advice will save you time, money, and lost energy spent on what bait to carry.

Bring a weight that will sink to the bottom as well. Pyramids don’t roll; therefore, they’re a popular sea-fishing lure. Spherical weights typically drift around the ocean floor, making them invisible to fish. Bring something that will sink rapidly and stay in place once it reaches the bottom.

Bring a Fish Finder

In addition to GPS, several technologies include seafloor monitoring systems and sonar. For example, the Garmin Striker 4 which includes a mounting arm for attaching it to your sea kayak, allowing you to keep your hands on your paddle or fishing pole while out on the water.

Fish finders detect underwater movement and warn you of the presence of something beneath your boat. If you want to improve your tracking abilities, consider mounting an underwater camera to the bottom or side of your kayak. You can use the fishfinder to detect movement and then use the camera to pinpoint the exact location of the fish.

Use Sunscreen and Insect Repellent.

Sunscreen is a vital aspect of every kayaking trip. Being out on the ocean can easily cause sunburn. Not only is there no cover from the intense sunlight, but the warmth reflects off the ocean and hits you twice. The reflections of the surf might practically cause sunburn.

Along with sunscreen, bring a tiny bottle of bug spray. Mosquitoes, flies, and other creatures are drawn to the shallow water. You’re basically asking to be bitten if you’re not too far from shore. Wear sunblock and bug spray to keep these unwelcome surprises from sending you home too soon.

Wear Safety Clothing

When you’re out on the water, the weather might change anytime. Bring warm clothing and something light to wear underneath in case it gets too hot. Sunhats, sunglasses, gloves, and other protective clothing can also help to avoid sunburn. You don’t want to go home feeling cold or burned.

Remember to wear protective clothing when interacting with fish and bait. You’ll need sturdy, non-puncturing gloves if the fish has sharp teeth. If they’re slick and aggressive, you should bring gloves with a considerable amount of textured grip to keep them in place.

Maintain Hydration and Nutrition.

Going home early due to hunger can ruin a potentially enjoyable fishing excursion. You’ll need a lot of food and drink when you’re out on the sea and warmed up by the sun. Eat a large lunch before you depart, drink plenty of water, and bring snacks in a cooler. Dehydration can happen quickly, and it’s incredibly deadly if there’s no water around.

Water flasks and small coolers of various sizes can fit perfectly in a sea kayak. If yours includes a concealed compartment, you can utilize it to store extra food and water in an emergency.

Attempt a Few Practice Runs

If you’ve never gone sea kayak fishing, you should know it’s not the same as traditional kayak fishing. Similar principles apply; you must navigate the ocean, anchor yourself if feasible, and use a life jacket to stay afloat. However, the water is rougher, the terrain is unfamiliar and unexpected, and the fish are more difficult to capture.

Try going for a practice run of about half a mile or less. Keep the beach in sight, and remember to bring all necessary equipment and an escape plan. This phase should not be daunting; it is only necessary to give it a try or two before venturing too far out into the sea without supervision or experience.

Conclusion

Ocean kayak fishing may be a lot of fun, but just like any other sort of fishing, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of having a good day.

Finishing from a sea kayak is simple once you get the hang of it. You’ll be able to push through and have a fantastic time if you respect the sea and recognize the unpredictable, harsh conditions.