Kayak Fishing Basics New York

Getting Started with Kayak Fishing: Tips, Gear, and Setup

If you fish in New York and want to reach more water without breaking the bank, kayak fishing is one of the best ways to do it. It’s quiet, affordable, and lets you get into places boats can’t—like skinny rivers, shallow bays, and tucked-away ponds that see less pressure.

Whether you’re targeting bass in the Finger Lakes, pike on the Black River, or panfish in small Adirondack ponds, a kayak gives you access and mobility without the hassle of a trailer or a motor. You can toss it on your roof, drive to the launch, and be on the water in minutes.

Plus, kayak fishing is easy to pick up. With the right setup and a few basic tips, you’ll be catching fish from your kayak in no time. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from choosing the right kayak to outfitting it with gear that actually helps you catch more fish.

Advantages of Kayak Fishing 

Fishing from a kayak has a way of making everything feel a little more personal—and a lot more fun. For starters, it won’t drain your wallet. Compared to a full-blown boat, a kayak is basically the DIY special of the fishing world: no gas, no trailer, no engine to winterize, and no yearly maintenance bills that somehow always show up at the worst possible time. You buy the thing, strap it to your roof, and off you go.

And where you’re going? Just about anywhere. One of the biggest perks is the access. Tiny creeks, weed-choked back bays, little ponds tucked behind a dirt road—these are the places kayaks shine. You can slip into waters that boats wouldn’t dream of reaching, and more often than not, those untouched spots hold fish that haven’t seen a lure in weeks. It’s like having a VIP pass to the off-the-map honey holes.

Portability is another huge win. Forget backing a trailer down a ramp while someone yells directions. With a kayak, you can pull into a roadside turnout, drag it to the bank, and be casting in five minutes. It turns fishing into something spontaneous—more about the fish, less about the logistics.

Then there’s the thrill. Hooking into a big fish from a kayak hits different. You’re close to the water, every tug feels amplified, and there’s always that little rush of “am I gonna land this thing or take a quick spin?” It’s part challenge, part chaos, and entirely addictive.

All of this makes kayak fishing hard to ignore. It’s affordable, practical, and puts the fun front and center. Whether you’re a diehard angler or just looking for a better way to fish after work, it’s a game-changer—and once you hook into a decent fish from a plastic boat, you’ll get it.

Fishing From a Kayak: Choosing the Right One

Fishing kayaks come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, each designed for different types of anglers and fishing environments. Most fishing kayaks typically range from 10 to 14 feet in length and are made from durable plastic, though there are also composite material kayaks that are lighter and more responsive, often preferred for longer trips or those seeking more performance.

When choosing a kayak, it’s important to match the boat’s size and features to your specific needs:

• Length: Longer kayaks tend to move faster and track straighter, making them ideal for larger bodies of water like lakes or oceans. They offer more stability in open water and better efficiency over long distances. On the other hand, shorter kayaks are more maneuverable, allowing for quick turns and better control in smaller, more confined spaces like small ponds, rivers, or creeks.
• Versatility: A longer kayak is perfectly suited for larger water bodies like Fourth Lake, Stillwater Reservoir, or even Lake Ontario, but it can still be used in smaller areas. On the flip side, a small kayak might limit your ability to safely or effectively handle bigger water or tougher conditions, so consider your fishing environment when making a choice.

Ultimately, the right kayak depends on the fishing areas you plan to frequent. Bigger kayaks are great for all-around use, but if you mostly fish in tight, shallow spaces, a shorter, more agile kayak might be more suitable.

Kayak Fishing Accessories

Fishing kayaks come in all shapes and setups—some are ready to fish right out of the box, while others are more of a blank canvas. If you’re the kind of angler who likes to tinker, this is where things get interesting. Trick it out, dial it in, make it yours—customizing your kayak is half the fun.

Start with the essentials: a couple of rod holders, maybe some tackle storage. That’s the easy stuff. But once you get comfortable on the water, it’s hard not to start thinking, “You know what would make this even better?” And that’s when the accessories start piling up. A fish finder to scope out what’s lurking below. An anchor system to keep you planted when the wind decides to test your patience. A bait well if you’re running live bait. Maybe a rod extension to spread your setups and reduce the tangle factor.

Of course, not all upgrades are about catching fish—some are just smart. Like a dry bag with a first aid kit, because the only thing worse than getting a hook in your hand is getting one in your hand five miles from shore without pliers or bandages.

The key, though, is to fish first, rig later. Don’t go nuts mounting every gadget in your garage before you’ve even paddled the thing. Spend some real time in your kayak, figure out where you naturally reach, where gear gets in the way, and where it needs to live so it’s there when you need it. Because nothing kills the mood like fumbling for your net while a trophy smallmouth gives you the runaround—and all you can do is watch it wave goodbye.

My First Experience Fishing from a Kayak

My first experience fishing from a kayak dates back to the early ’90s when I was using a whitewater kayak. At the time, it was the only type of kayak I had, and it worked surprisingly well for running rivers and fishing the spring walleye and white bass runs. Since then, I’ve learned a lot about the different types of kayaks available for fishing. Generally, fishing kayaks fall into three basic categories: sit-on-top (SOT), sit-inside, and hybrid.

Sit-On-Top (SOT) Kayaks

Sit-on-top kayaks (SOT) are by far the most popular type of kayak used for fishing. As the name implies, these kayaks have a design where the angler sits on top of the kayak, rather than inside it. This elevated seating position provides several advantages, particularly when it comes to casting, visibility, and line management. Many SOT kayaks are also designed with standing in mind, which makes it even easier to cast, fish, and handle your gear.

One of the biggest benefits of SOT kayaks is their open deck design. This layout allows anglers to rig the kayak with a variety of accessories, such as rod holders, fish finders, bait wells, cameras, and GPS units. The flexibility in rigging options means you can set up the kayak to suit your exact needs. Plus, the open space makes it much easier to organize your gear and keep it accessible—whether it’s in a milk crate, a specialized tackle box, or any other storage solution.

However, many people in colder climates have concerns about getting wet in a sit-on-top kayak, especially when the weather is chilly. From my experience, though, I don’t find myself getting wetter in a SOT kayak than I would in a canoe. It’s all about how you position yourself and manage the boat in different conditions.

A potential drawback of SOT kayaks is their weight. Because they don’t have a cockpit (the cut-out area where you would typically sit), they tend to be heavier than other types of kayaks. Some manufacturers offer composite SOT kayaks, which are lighter but come with a higher price tag. It’s a trade-off that you’ll need to consider when choosing the best kayak for your needs.

Sit-Inside Kayaks (SIK)

Sit-inside kayaks (SIKs) offer a more traditional design, where you sit inside the kayak at the water level. These kayaks are known for their stability and ability to handle open waters, making them a popular choice for touring and long-distance paddling. While they’re not as commonly used for fishing as sit-on-top kayaks, SIKs can still be rigged for fishing with some creativity and modifications.

One of the main advantages of SIKs is their sleek, streamlined design, which tends to be faster and more efficient on the water. However, because the market for fishing-specific SIKs is smaller, anglers will often need to improvise to make them fishing-ready. Rod holders can be mounted to the cockpit or on the deck, but finding convenient places to store gear, like tackle boxes or bait wells, can require a bit more ingenuity.

Wiring for fish finders is another challenge with SIKs. Since the kayak’s interior space is more enclosed, running wires to the necessary locations can be tricky. That said, it’s definitely possible to make it work, especially with some thoughtful planning. Many anglers use waterproof containers for tackle and rig their kayaks with custom storage solutions to make sure everything stays organized and within reach.

Landing large fish from a SIK can also be more difficult due to the lower seating position and enclosed design. However, if the shore is close by, you can always paddle over and land the boat to finish fighting the fish safely. Despite these challenges, many anglers have successfully caught fish from a touring kayak with minimal modifications, making the sit-inside kayak a viable option for those who prefer its design and performance.

Hybrid Kayaks

Hybrid kayaks are a blend between traditional kayaks and canoes, designed to offer the best of both worlds. These kayaks typically feature a large open deck space, providing ample room for gear, tackle, and other fishing essentials. One of the key advantages of hybrid kayaks is their exceptional stability, making them an ideal choice for anglers who prioritize comfort and security on the water.

A great example of a hybrid kayak is the NuCanoe. These boats are known for their incredible stability, which is particularly beneficial for anglers who need a steady platform for casting, reeling in fish, or even standing while fishing. The added stability also makes hybrid kayaks popular for other outdoor activities, like hunting, where a steady craft is essential.

One of the biggest trade-offs with hybrid kayaks is that they tend to sacrifice some of the streamlined characteristics of a traditional kayak. This can make them slower and less agile in the water compared to more traditional designs. However, the increased stability and room for gear make them highly attractive to anglers who value comfort and stability over speed.

Another benefit of hybrid kayaks is the ability to add a trolling motor, providing extra power for longer trips or when you need to cover larger areas of water. Many hybrids also come with comfort-focused features like swivel seats, which are a game-changer for anglers who spend long hours on the water. These seats allow for greater mobility and a more comfortable fishing experience, especially for extended trips.

Best Kayak Fishing Spots in New York: Where to Launch

1. Tupper Lake (Adirondacks)

Launch from the Tupper Lake Town Beach or Moonlight Bay for easy access to the Saranac Chain. The lake offers great fishing for pike, bass, and perch. Head for the shallow coves and weed beds, especially on the southern end.

2. Canandaigua Lake (Finger Lakes)

Put in at the Canandaigua City Pier. The lake is known for lake trout, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass. Focus on the north end for shallow waters, or explore the remote southern coves for less boat traffic.

3. Lake Ontario (Sandy Creek)

Head to the Sandy Creek Boat Launch for access to the lake’s productive waters. This spot is great for bass, walleye, and even the occasional salmon, especially in early spring and late fall.

4. Lake George (Adirondacks)

Launch from the Hague Town Dock. Known for its clear waters, Lake George offers excellent fishing for lake trout, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. Fish the drop-offs around the islands for the best chances.

5. Mohawk River

Put in at the Riverfront Park in Schenectady for access to the river’s bass and northern pike. The Mohawk is often overlooked but offers great fishing and quiet paddling, especially in the warmer months.

6. Black River (Northern New York)

Launch from the Dexter Park Boat Launch for a shot at smallmouth bass and walleye. The Black River is perfect for a more relaxed day of fishing, with calm waters and abundant fish populations.

Original Article By Scott Locorini

About The Author

Scott Locorini has been a guide and paddle sports instructor for 20 years. He owns and operates Adirondack Exposure and Black River Valley Outdoors based in Old Forge, NY and Lyons Falls, NY. Stop by the Adirondack Exposure store in Old Forge for your kayak fishing needs and installations, and check out their website at www.adirondackexposure.com