I vividly remember the first time I truly discovered the joys of Adirondack kayak paddling, and how that eventually led me to embrace kayak fishing. My wife, Adrienne, and I have always been drawn to the outdoors, spending countless weekends and summers camping at the DEC-operated campgrounds scattered throughout the Adirondack Park in New York State. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that we began to notice a growing number of kayaks on the water as we paddled our trusty canoe. These kayaks were sleek, long, and seemed to glide effortlessly across the open waters of the Adirondacks. The idea intrigued me, but I was still skeptical.
At first, we stuck to our canoe, which was familiar and comfortable. However, one fateful summer, I finally gave into the curiosity and tried paddling a kayak for myself. From the moment I sat in the cockpit and felt the kayak’s stability beneath me, it was clear: this was a game changer. It didn’t take long for me to understand what my friend had meant when he described kayaking as “twice the speed for half the man.” The kayak was faster and more efficient than anything I’d experienced, and I immediately grasped the allure of this dynamic, quiet, and surprisingly stable watercraft. That was over a dozen years ago, and since then, I’ve been hooked—paddling, exploring, and fishing in the Adirondacks year-round.
The Early Days of Kayaking and the Evolution to Fishing Kayaks
In those early days of kayaking, I was all about the adventure of exploration. The sense of freedom that came with paddling across open water was unlike anything I had experienced with a canoe. It was an entirely new way to interact with nature, one that offered incredible access to hidden bays and secluded spots that would’ve been difficult to reach otherwise. Every new body of water beckoned me to explore, and each bend in the river or shoreline held the promise of something new. But, as any angler knows, when you’re out on the water, you’re always thinking about the next catch.
I soon began to think about how I could incorporate fishing into my kayaking trips. It wasn’t long before I decided to bring along a fishing rod for the journey. The first time I hooked a largemouth bass while kayaking, I realized that it wasn’t just the thrill of paddling I was hooked on—it was kayak fishing. I found that the combination of paddling and fishing was incredibly rewarding, and the serenity of kayaking made the experience all the more enjoyable. From that moment, I embarked on a quest to create the perfect beginner fishing kayak setup—something that would be easy to manage and enhance the fishing experience.
The Rise of Kayak Fishing: A Niche Within a Niche
Over the years, kayak fishing has grown from a small subculture into a booming niche within the outdoor industry. Companies like Wilderness Systems and Hobie Cat have pioneered the development of kayaks designed specifically for anglers. These boats are outfitted with everything an angler might need, from rod holders and fish finders to live wells for holding your catch. For those who are serious about kayak fishing, manufacturers have developed models with increased stability and room for multiple rods, tackle boxes, and other gear.
It’s not just about the gear anymore; it’s about enhancing the entire fishing experience. In fact, kayak anglers are now tackling everything from peaceful Adirondack lakes to the challenging waters of the Hudson River, where striped bass are being caught from kayaks. The sport has evolved, and today, dedicated anglers are even venturing into ocean waters to chase big game fish—all from the comfort and mobility of a kayak. This shift in mindset has made kayak fishing a true sport in its own right, offering both recreation and serious angling opportunities.
When it comes to selecting the right kayak for your Adirondack fishing adventure, you have to think beyond just what looks good or what’s on sale. Fishing kayaks require careful consideration, especially for beginners. The right kayak setup can make or break your experience on the water. After all, you need a kayak that balances speed, stability, and comfort, while also being easy to transport. Not all kayaks are created equal, and this is where many new kayak anglers make a common mistake: choosing the wrong type of kayak.
Many new kayak anglers often fall into the trap of purchasing a recreational kayak, which seems like an affordable and easy option. Recreational kayaks are wide and stable, making them easy to paddle and perfect for leisurely trips. They’re a great introduction to kayaking, but they come with limitations when it comes to fishing.
Recreational kayaks can be challenging to paddle for long distances, especially if you’re carrying extra gear. For someone planning on fishing, these kayaks can be more of a hindrance than a help. The boat’s stability is important, but when it’s loaded down with fishing rods, tackle, and camping gear, a recreational kayak can quickly become unwieldy. It also lacks the design features that many anglers need, such as built-in rod holders, extra storage space, and a stable platform for casting.
On the other hand, touring kayaks are designed for longer trips and greater speed. They are typically longer and more streamlined, allowing anglers to cover more ground and reach farther parts of the lake or river. These kayaks are ideal for those who want to spend hours on the water, whether it’s for a fishing expedition or just exploring new waters.
However, touring kayaks are often more difficult to balance at first, especially for anglers who plan to carry multiple rods and large gear bags. This is where the versatility of a recreational-touring hybrid comes into play. These kayaks combine the best of both worlds: they’re fast and stable enough for long trips, while offering the necessary features for an angler’s gear and comfort. They’re designed to handle everything from rods to bait, and they perform well in both calm waters and more challenging conditions.
One of the most important pieces of advice I can offer is to test the kayak before you buy it. Every kayaker has different needs based on their size, skill level, and intended use. Any reputable dealer will allow you to test the boat on the water, and I highly recommend doing so. Testing the kayak will allow you to get a feel for its stability, how it handles weight, and whether it suits your fishing style.
Also, consider the weight capacity of the kayak. A kayak that is rated for a higher load than what you plan to carry is always a safer bet. There’s nothing worse than a kayak that’s too small to handle all your gear, especially on a long day of fishing in the Adirondacks.
One of the first things I learned in kayak fishing is that having the proper fishing pole holders is crucial. When you’re paddling and casting, you need to keep your rods secure and within easy reach. There are numerous options when it comes to kayak fishing pole holders. Over the years, I’ve tried a variety of solutions, from ice-fishing rod holders placed under the bungee decking to the standard, inexpensive clamp-on models. While the clamp-ons can work well for some kayaks, they often don’t fit properly on the coaming (the edge) around the cockpit.
On my current boats, I’ve upgraded to a more secure setup. I drilled holes in the coaming, removed the clamps, and now use wing nuts, bolts, and washers to attach the holders before I launch. This setup has worked great for keeping my rods secure while I fish and paddle, providing stability and easy access when I need it.
Downsize Your Tackle Box
Limited space is one of the inherent challenges of kayak fishing. Unlike a traditional boat, a kayak has minimal storage, so it’s essential to downsize your tackle box. For long outings, packing light can be difficult, especially if you plan on fishing for more than one species. However, it’s important to bring only what you’ll need. For example, I usually pack just a small selection of terminal tackle, a few tools, spare hooks, and other essentials.
The key is efficiency: choose lures, baits, and other items that can serve multiple purposes to avoid overloading your kayak with excess gear.
One of the handiest devices I’ve discovered for keeping equipment organized while I enjoy Adirondack kayak fishing is what is called a “work deck” or “half skirt.” Once installed, it covers a good portion of the cockpit and has storage pockets on the surface. Most also have a cup-holder that with a little ingenuity can become a kayak fishing pole holder. If I’m on a camping trip, I load up the work deck with my tackle, and that’s the way it stays throughout the weekend.
Finding effective storage solutions for all your gear is essential for keeping your kayak fishing setup organized. One of the best investments I made was getting a “work deck” or “half skirt.” This handy device covers part of the cockpit and includes pockets for storing tackle, tools, and even a cup holder. With a bit of creativity, you can use the cup holder as a fishing pole holder when necessary.
On camping trips, I load up the work deck with all my tackle, keeping it easily accessible throughout the weekend. It keeps everything in place and prevents clutter from taking over the limited space in the kayak. For extended trips, a work deck can be a game changer for staying organized and efficient.
A fish finder is an essential tool for many anglers, but it’s not always necessary for every kayak fishing trip. For those planning to fish deeper waters or troll, a portable fish finder can be extremely helpful. I use a small, portable model when I plan to jig or troll, and it’s proven valuable for locating fish quickly. On occasion, I’ve even used my Vexilar—normally used for ice fishing—on the kayak, but it’s bulky and cumbersome, so I usually leave it behind.
If you choose to bring a fish finder, make sure it’s compact and easy to set up, as you don’t want it to take up too much space or become a hindrance while paddling. However, many kayak anglers, including myself, often find that a fish finder isn’t essential for a successful day on the water.
When it comes to fishing rods, shorter is often better when fishing from a kayak. Longer rods can be cumbersome and difficult to maneuver in the confined space of a kayak. I’ve found that shorter rods, such as five- or six-footers, work best for accurate casting and maintaining control, especially when fishing from a near-water level.
I’ve even used an ice fishing jig rod for deep water fishing from my kayak, and it’s been surprisingly effective. Not only does it make for easier transport, but it’s also the perfect length for kayak fishing, offering excellent control when casting or retrieving.
Dry storage is essential for keeping your valuables safe from the elements, particularly in a kayak where splashes are inevitable. Whether you use a waterproof bag, a plastic case, or a specialized dry storage compartment, it’s crucial to keep your phone, camera, first-aid kit, and other important items dry.
I also recommend carrying a standard fish stringer in case you land a big catch, as well as some synthetic clothing to change into. This is especially important during cooler months when the water temperature is lower. Being prepared with proper dry storage will ensure your essentials stay safe and dry, no matter the conditions on the water.
Kayak fishing offers distinct advantages, particularly when targeting bass. The ability to silently paddle up to shorelines and fish structure gives you access to areas that traditional boats can’t reach. I love fishing for bass in these hard-to-reach spots, where the stillness of the water allows for stealthy approaches.
Trout fishing, on the other hand, can be more challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining a consistent trolling speed in windy conditions. For trout, I typically let out a lot of line and troll slowly, using lures such as Lake Clear Wabblers, flies, or minnow-imitating crankbaits. A trout net is always on hand, just in case I hook into a big one.
When trout fishing, I carry both a fly rod and a spinning outfit, along with a small collection of flies and lures. For bass, I prefer using plastic baits but always bring along a few topwater lures, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits for versatility.
The Adirondacks are a haven for kayak fishing, with hundreds of pristine lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams to explore. Whether you’re looking for quiet solitude in lily-pad filled bays or hoping to land a big catch, the Adirondacks offer endless opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. With the right kayak setup, you can enjoy a relaxing and memorable day on the water—just bring your boat, paddle, tackle, and a sense of adventure.
Dan Ladd is an outdoor writer and member of the New York State Outdoor Writers’ Association who has contributed columns to the “Plattsburgh Press Republican” and the “Glen Falls Chronicle.” He is the author and owner of the website ADKHunter.com and the author of the books Deer Hunting in the Adirondacks and Well Seasoned In the Adirondacks.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
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