The Best Spots for Kayak Fishing
Kayak fishing has gone from being relatively new on the scene to a sport that has several spots that are specifically sought out as being some of the best places to take your kayak on your next fishing trip.
If you know, you know, and if you don’t know, you’re probably dying to find out.
Luckily for you, I’ve put together a complete list of the best spots to go kayak fishing, from local lakes to open-water seas that stretch as far as the eyes can see.
To make sure that you don’t end up in the right place but without the right gear, you can also click here to see a comprehensive list of essential kayak fishing gear that you’ll need to pack to take with you on a trip to any of the following destinations.
1. The Shenandoah River
Find out what’s just around the river bend by heading to the Shenandoah River on your next kayak fishing trip. Separating the southern and western sides of the Shenandoah Valley, the river starts near Charlestown and diagonally cuts across the border.
Multiple spots span up and down the river for you to set off from. There are over 20 points available for public access along the south fork alone, meaning you have greater control over the length of your trip. If you feel tired earlier than anticipated, just stop at the next spot!
You can commonly catch the following fish at the Shenandoah River; including Smallmouth and Largemouth fish, Catfish, Cappie, Panfish, and even the occasional Muskellunge.
2. Sunset Bay, State Park
Next up on our list of spots to hit if you’re interested in finding the best places to go kayak fishing is Sunset Bay, State Park. The beautiful beach views provide the perfect backdrop for anglers who’ll enjoy the scenery as much as what the sea has to offer beneath its surface.
The calm waters are easy to navigate and if you set off from the beach as your starting point you’ll find it practically effortless to enter the sea. The coves are equally as calm for casual kayaking, although I’d recommend investing in a saltwater kayak for open-water use.
You can commonly catch the following fish at Sunset Bay, State Park; including lingcod, Cabezon, and Halibut.
3. Devil’s Rivers
Whilst the name of this next spot sounds less inviting than the destination itself, the Devil’s River in Texas is undoubtedly one that’s best left to the more experienced kayakers, so it’s perhaps not a bad thing if it keeps those only recently converted to kayak fishing away.
Spanning 94 miles in total, the river is made up of rapids and pools which greatly vary in-depth and there are limited access points for the public, making it a great spot for some secluded kayak fishing where you’ll have to deal with fewer interruptions.
You can commonly catch the following fish at Devil’s Rivers; including Bass, Smallmouth, and a wide variety of other types of fish, although you’ll need to be careful to avoid any species that are listed as federally threatened or endangered, like the Devil’s River Minnow.
4. Lake Erie
Fancy fishing on a lake but want to enjoy the same views you’d get at the beach? Lake Erie might just be the best of both worlds for kayaking anglers who fit this description, as it combines these two types of kayak fishing environments in one stunning spot.
Touching the borders of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and New York, Lake Erie is well-known for its plentiful waters that are filled with schools of Smallmouth among others.
You can commonly catch the following fish at Lake Erie; including Walleye, Rainbow trout, Alewife, White Perch, and Yellow Perch.
5. Pompano Beach
Found on the East Coast of Florida, this is the final spot for kayak fishing that I’ve included.
No matter what time of year it is, it’s worth taking a trip to Pompano Beach. Like most of the beaches where kayak fishing is popular, it has plenty of access points and it’s easy to get onto the water.
If you’re hoping to chase some of the bigger catches, it’s the best spot in the Sunshine State for a spot of kayak fishing and you’re not likely to come back empty-handed.
You can commonly catch the following fish at Pompano Beach; including Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and Sailfish. Don’t forget to bring your wahoo fishing tackle with you! These are all some of the largest and strongest fish to be found here, so make sure you hold on to your rod tightly if you catch one or risk being pulled along behind it!
