Kayak Fishing is a growing trend. More and more people are figuring out that a Kayak is an inexpensive water vessel that will allow you to fish in areas you simply cannot get to without a boat. Compared to the hassle of trailering and launching a fishing boat, kayak fishing gets you back to the essence of being on the water.

Why Kayaks and Bass Fishing?

Kayaks are perfect for Bass Fishing. It takes very little force from a paddle to move a kayak for several feet. You do not disturb the water and you do not create the vibrations that spook the fish. The kayak angler can slip quietly into the areas where the bass are hiding.

Bass like to hang out in some pretty gnarly areas for boats, which gives kayaks a huge advantage.

If you are fishing in small creeks and rivers the kayak will allow you to go places that the motorized boats simply cannot go, largely because your drag (the amount of boat underneath the water surface) is so minimal. There are hidden horseshoe lakes, and small areas that are not fished because the anglers in the boats cannot get into them. Your kayak will stealthily slip into those areas and provide you with an opportunity to fish for monster bass that are not hook leery because they never see humans, and hooks in their neck of the woods.

Bass anglers know that bass love to get up under limbs, and in the most difficult places to navigate. They travel under those limbs and hang out in the grass because they get plenty of food opportunities, some shade, and they are smart enough to know that they are safer too. The great thing is your kayak is safer in those areas also. Kayaks and bass fishing are simply made for each other.

Kayak Bass Fishing Considerations

There are a few downside of bass fishing with a kayak, but we think they pale in comparison to the advantages. 

When you are bass fishing with a kayak, you are going to have to learn the art of the one handed cast. You also need to learn the art of the one handed paddle. That way you can gently glide your craft with one hand while you cast your lure to the best spot using the other hand. When you are reeling in your line you will find that you will be propelling your boat in the direction the line was cast. Utilize this to move in closer to the honey spots the fish like to hide in. Once you master it, you will have a big advantage over other fisherman (and maybe even over the bass!)

Another consideration for kayak bass fishing is that you need to deal with the problems that come with bass fishing from a small vessel. If you are on lakes or rivers where there are a lot of motorized vessels causing heavy wakes or safety issues, then your small craft is going to be harder to control. One trick is to slip out onto the lakes or rivers early, just as the sun is coming up, or wait until late in the evening. You want to get your boat floating before all of the big bass boats start trying to leave the boat ramp all at once.

If you do get waves coming from another boat headed to the side of your vessel just shift your weight towards the side the wave is going to hit. This will keep the wave from tipping you over. If you are netting a fish you want to use your hips and shift your weight to the opposite side of the vessel to create a counter balance and prevent tipping.

The final consideration is that you need to be a little more efficient with your gear. If you are going to be fishing from a kayak you do not want a really deep fish net or a massive tackle box. You are going to have to work the fish up close to the vessel and let it get close to the top of the water before you swoop down with your net. Do not lift the fish out of the water before you position the net or you will learn the heartbreak of the one that got away.  Also, consider a more compact tackle bag, not a big box that is clumsy or bulky.

When you go out on the water in a kayak you are alone with nature. You get the opportunity to relax, slow your pace and enjoy the experience completely. Bass fishing in a kayak is fun, it is exhilarating, and it requires you to have a kayak. 

Great fishing Kayaks

There are a couple fishing kayaks on the market that we really like right now, and they are great for bass fishing as well.

ASCEND® FS10 Sit-In-Angler Kayak

This is a premium fishing kayak that has superb maneuverability. The increase ability to maneuver the vessel easily is created by the V-style hull. This style of hull allows the vessel to have an extended keel and aggressive strakes with a performance rocker. This hull makes the boat easier to maneuver and it makes it more stable, and easier to paddle.

It is designed with a large open cockpit that makes it very easy to mount the boat or to get out of the boat. You will not have as much restriction of movement so casting is more precise.

It has a seating system that can be removed. You can also adjust the seat using just one hand. The seat is constructed with a steel frame, and it is one of the most comfortable kayak seats on the market. 

 Anglers between 5’2” and 6’2” will all find the seating comfortable because of the positioning of the foot braces.

It is designed for fishing with a pair of 4” cleats that are perfecting for tying your minnow bucket to, or a fish stringer when you land a few. It is designed with dual bungee paddle holders that keep you from losing your paddle while you are busy fishing. It also has a waterproof, weathertight area positioned beneath a screw out deck plate that is perfect for your id, your keys, and your fishing licenses or park permits.

This vessel has plenty of room for small coolers, buckets and such. It only weighs 57 pounds so it is easy to load and unload from your vehicle. It is 10’ long and 30” wide, and it can support weights of as much as 325 pounds.

Perception Sound 9.5 Kayak with Paddle

This kayak weighs only 38 pounds. It has a depth of 13 inches, it is 28” wide, and 9.5” long. It can support up to 300 pounds so it is perfect for you and all of your gear. There are two molded handles designed into the kayak that allow you to carry the vessel securely.

It features a tri-keel hull that allows it to have increased stability and effortless steering that will track straight and true. The molded dash has mounting points to hold your accessories.

It has 2 molded rod holders located behind the seat and a rear storage area that provides ample space for gear. This area is secured with a bungee cord.

There is a storage compartment in the stern of the vessel to stow your fishing gear, or other items in. A shock cord is used to hold the storage compartment sealed.

The seating is padded with foam for extra comfort, and it can be adjusted according to your height. You will also find thigh pads and foot braces that can be adjusted so you can be perfectly comfortable.

This kayak comes complete with a Drifter brand 2-piece paddle so all you need is a life preserver and some water, and you are ready to fish.