For me, there is a real sense of accomplishment and self sufficiency that comes with kayak fishing. And besides being a fun way to catch fish, kayaking provides an excellent form of exercise.

New Jersey offers fantastic saltwater and freshwater estuaries in coastal regions, including rivers and creeks, and also offers surf kayaking. This variety has brought a new dimension to kayak fishing’s application and popularity.

While some people sit inside kayaks, a sit-on-top kayak excels for kayak fishing. The main advantage is stability, and this becomes evident when you hook into a nice fish, or when you launch or land through the surf.

Sit-on-top kayaks also offer more accessible storage. Getting back on a sit-on-top is also much easier than getting into a sit-inside.
Also, sit-on-tops have high-backed, comfortable seats.

Hobie Kayaks have brought something new to the sport: pedals. Hobie Mirage Drive Kayaks have a patented Mirage Drive pedaling system that takes you farther, faster. The system works much like a penguin’s fins to propel the kayak with surprising speed and ease. Also, the user’s hands remain free to fish.

Where to fish? This is where kayaks have an extreme advantage. They can fish areas that are untouched by other anglers. Back-country mud flats, and salt marshes, are all accessible and fishable in a kayak.

Take a chart of your area--a NOAA chart--and find some of those back areas, and look for an easy launch or access point. Go there and scout the area at low tide if possible. Look for holes, drops or anything that can attract fish.

There are creeks and runs that hold plenty of water at low tide to float a kayak, but not enough to float a bigger boat. These are ideal locations for kayak fishing. The trick is to get off the beaten path and look for areas that other anglers can’t reach.

The possibilities for rigging a kayak for fishing are endless. You can start out with the basics, and add gear as you need it.

Take your time and begin with the basic equipment that will get you on the water and catching fish.

Assuming you already have a paddle and a personal flotation device, the first thing you will need is some type of rod holder. Most fishing kayaks come equipped with flush-mount rod holders, usually positioned behind the paddler on the port and starboard sides.

You can make or buy extensions to change the angle of the rod, the height from the deck, or ease to reach it.

To secure the rods, you should use a rod leash.

You’ll also need a basic box to carry tackle, and something to carry bait. Many fishing kayaks are already equipped with hatches or tackle boxes to get you started.

Carry a pair of nail clippers to cut line, and a pair of needle-nosed pliers to release fish.

This is a basic setup for a fishing kayak and will get you started.

But there are extras. Boga Grips or a similar lip gripper tool is a very handy piece of equipment for kayak fishing.

Later, you can add more rod holders, or a crate for carrying extra tackle. You may also want to add a depth finder for locating structure and fishing holes. A compass for navigation or a GPS can also be added. An anchor or a drift sock can slow you down on a windy day, or hold you on the spot where fish are.

For night fishing you will want to install a light. For transporting live bait, a livewell is handy. Shimano has introduced a portable livewell system for kayaks and small boats, and Hobie has also introduced a portable livewell that works with their kayaks.

So sit back and relax, and enjoy the surroundings in a way that’s possible only from a kayak. And who knows? You might even end up catching more fish than from a boat or the bank!