Tackle Tactics » Tips-Techniques » Sweetwater-Impoundments-Brackish » Kayak Bass Fishing - 5 Tips

Kayak Bass Fishing - 5 Tips

By Felippe Gapski

Bass fishing from a kayak can be one the most amazing styles of fishing out there. The ability to have stealth on the water, to approach your snags or flats almost unseen and with little or no noise at all. Those fishing from a kayak will often out fish boat anglers, especially in shallow and pressured waters. However, if not planned properly, your kayak bass session could be unpleasant and even a somewhat dangerous activity.

Here's my 5 Tips for your next adventure on the water using your kayak.

1 - Do Your Homework

Nowadays the internet has become so easily accessible and technology has improved to the point that you can literally almost see where your fish will be in the water. Get online and explore the different options in terms of maps and satellite views. Try and identify areas such as flats, points, trees, rock walls, submerged structures and so on. The fish in most cases like to have easy access to food and some sort of structure, especially when there is a bit of a breeze blowing the bait towards those structures. So keep your eyes open next time you are on the water.

2 - Safety Comes First

It is very important to take safety seriously when fishing from a kayak. Check your state rules and make sure that you are wearing your Personal Flotation Device (PFD). That alone can be the best piece of safety equipment that you can have on you and can potentially save your life in the case of an emergency situation. Also consider taking along with you an EPIRB, which in a nutshell alerts Search and Rescue Services in the event of an emergency, once activated, giving your GPS point to assist with locating you quickly. This is especially important if you are fishing by yourself and you are out somewhere in the bay or a big open impoundment. Also always remember to tell a family member or a friend of your whereabouts and planned time of return.

3 - What to Bring

Yes, we are a bit limited in terms of what gear we can bring on a kayak, however in saying that you won't really need that much. Try and stick to what you know and what you feel confident in. A couple of small tackle boxes, one small binder for your soft plastics and a couple of your favourite combos and you are pretty much sorted. Obviously it will depend on the type of fishing that you are doing, however the more gear you have on you, the more of a chance of losing big when you capsize and believe me when I say this, it will happen eventually 😅. A couple of rod leashes and some bungee cords should do the trick here.

4 - Position Yourself

It is very important when fishing from a kayak to position yourself in the best possible position. Always consider the wind or currents. Try and cast upwind towards your structure, point or creek ledges. This will give you more control of your lure and your kayak, perhaps also helping you when you hook up as the wind/current will push you further away from that structure that your fish will try and run towards.

5 - Enjoy Your Surroundings

In my opinion there is nothing more enjoyable than being on the water in a quiet environment, watching the sun rising, the sound of that breeze or the wildlife around you. And don't forget the sound of your drag when that next bite comes on!

So, make sure you plan your next kayak trip well, take the time to sort everything out, take all you need and be prepared. This country offers unlimited opportunities for kayak bass fishing and it would be a shame to not make the most of it.

There it is guys, I know that there is probably another thousand and one tips out there when it comes to kayak bass fishing, however as long as you are confident with what you are doing you should have a great day with your friends on the water.

Cheers guys 😊
Felippe Gapski