Kayak fishing: a guide to fishing from a kayak
How kayak fishing works, the fish you can catch and where to book a guided kayak trip.
There is nothing like exploring the water from a kayak. You get close to nature, slip into quiet water and hook hard-fighting fish. Florida is our top kayak destination, with guided kayak bass trips in Kissimmee.
Fish you can catch from a kayak
The best species to catch on a kayak. Swipe to see them.
Largemouth bass
Florida bassFlorida’s number one game fish. Size and bag limits apply.
Snook
Common snookSaltwater kayak target along mangroves and inlets. Seasons and size limits apply.
Seasons, size and bag limits apply: see the FWC freshwater and saltwater fishing regulations. Your guide can tell you what you can keep.
What is kayak fishing?
Fishing from a kayak, in fresh or salt water. A kayak slips quietly into shallow water other boats can’t reach, so it suits bass in the backwaters as well as snook and redfish along the coast. Guided trips include a fully equipped kayak with safety gear, rods, reels and tackle. Florida is our top kayak destination.
How kayak fishing works
On a guided kayak trip you paddle to the fish with a local expert, cast with light tackle and enjoy the scenery and wildlife along the way.
Freshwater and saltwater
Freshwater kayak trips mostly target largemouth bass in backwaters and lakes. Saltwater kayak trips chase snook, redfish, trout and tarpon in lagoons and along the coast.
What a guided trip includes
A fully equipped fishing kayak with safety equipment, rods, reels and tackle, and a guide who knows the water.
Top 5 tips for fishing from a kayak
1. Use a kayak with several rod holders. 2. Pick elevated seating for comfort and visibility. 3. Use a GPS or fish finder on new water. 4. Have a paddle holder or a pedal drive. 5. Bring dry storage for electronics and extra clothes.
Pair it with an eco tour
Many kayak fishing trips can be combined with an eco tour, so you learn about the area as well as the fishing.
What to bring
Your fishing license, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, clothes that can get wet and a dry bag for your phone.
Top kayak fishing destinations by state
Florida
Florida has kayak fishing all year, in fresh and salt water. Our guided kayak bass trips run in Kissimmee on Shingle Creek and Lake Toho.
See Florida kayak fishingPlanning a kayak trip outside Florida? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm, and we’ll tell you what we can book.
Kayak fishing by season
Winter Dec–Feb
- Bass spawn season and the best shot at a big bass
- Saltwater: trout and redfish on the flats
Spring Mar–May
- Late spawn and post-spawn bass
- Saltwater: snook move to the beaches and passes
Summer Jun–Aug
- Early-morning topwater bass, then deeper cover as it heats up
- Saltwater: tarpon season; fish early
Fall Sep–Nov
- Bass feed up as the water cools
- Saltwater: bull redfish and snook
How to book a kayak fishing trip
Online booking isn’t available for kayak trips yet. Call us and we’ll book your guide and date.
Guided kayak bass trips in Kissimmee, Florida
Call (407) 392-4593Freshwater trips: anglers 16 and older need a Florida freshwater fishing license. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before. Full refund or free reschedule if the guide cancels for weather. Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm.
Kayak fishing questions
What is kayak fishing?
Fishing from a kayak. It gets you quietly into shallow, out-of-the-way water and close to nature, in fresh or salt water.
What fish can you catch from a kayak?
Largemouth bass, crappie, snook, trout and even sailfish. In Florida, add peacock bass, redfish and tarpon.
Is kayak fishing good for beginners?
Yes. Guided kayak trips work for everyone from hard-core anglers to first-timers.
What makes a good fishing kayak?
Multiple rod holders, elevated seating, a paddle holder or pedal drive, and dry storage. A GPS or fish finder helps on new water.
Where is the best kayak fishing?
Florida is our top kayak destination, with fishing all year. We run guided kayak bass trips in Kissimmee.
Can I add an eco tour?
Yes. Many kayak fishing trips can be paired with an eco tour. Ask when you call.
Do I need a fishing license?
Usually. In Florida, anglers 16 and older need a fishing license for freshwater kayak trips.
How do I book a kayak fishing trip?
Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm, and we’ll check dates and book your guide.