Kayak Fishing
in Gulf Shores & Orange Bech
From charter boats and piers to the sandy white shores themselves, Alabama’s Beaches offer so many ways and places to cast a line. However, there is one fishing method that is becoming increasingly popular for a variety of reasons: kayak fishing. The Alabama Gulf Coast is a great place to bring your kayak and life jacket for an intimate experience with all the maritime creatures that thrive in coastal waters.
Kayak Rentals & Equipment
Many visitors and locals will already have their own kayaks, which are easy to transport to our beautiful coast and head into the water at one of the 21 launch sites in the area. If you don’t own a kayak, you can easily rent one from any of the local businesses. Most will even drop it off at your accommodation or launch point.
For those accustomed to fishing out of a boat, you’ll first have to downsize your equipment. Everything has to be on a smaller scale, including a small cooler for your bait or ice.
If you’re outfitting your ‘yak for fishing, consider spending the money on a good seat so you’re comfortable for several hours of fishing.
Buying The Right Kayak for Fishing
Kayaks come in so many sizes and configurations that it may be hard to decide if you want one. Most people who fish out of their kayaks in coastal waters will go for those 10 to 14 feet long. Most kayaks only have paddles for propulsion, but numerous companies now make models with foot pedals you pump, and some even have electric motors similar to trolling motors to allow more effortless movement from fishing hole to fishing hole. However, those kayaks will cost you more regarding wallet and portability. A kayak equipped with a trolling motor weighs 150 pounds, not including the battery. A typical weight for a kayak without all the added features is about 50 pounds.
Depending on your budget, you’ll likely spend at least $1,000 to get a kayak rigged for fishing. If your budget is not a concern, you can pay $6,000 or more for a rig.
Life Jackets
One of the most important pieces of equipment for a kayak angler is a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD). Kayaks are much more stable these days, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get wet. Make sure you have the proper size, and if you wear an inflatable PFD, make sure it is a model that only inflates when you’re underwater. You’ll get wet while fishing, so you don’t want a vest that inflates unexpectedly.
Tips for Kayak Fishing
Most kayak anglers prefer a rod with a long handle to keep your reels out of the saltwater while you’re paddling, which usually means a 6-6 or 7-foot spinning rod with a 12- to 20-pound test line.
Because you can get so close to your target in a kayak, keep the rigging to a minimum and just free-line a live shrimp or baitfish and let it drift with the current. Stay away from swivels if you can help it, and if you need a sinker, keep it as small as possible.
If you’re new to the fishing method, take your time to learn how to paddle and maneuver the kayak into position to present the bait as naturally as possible.
Where to Kayak Fish
Most kayak anglers will remain close to Alabama’s beautiful beaches or inshore waters. However, some adventurous souls will venture into the Gulf and try for a variety of species. Unless you’re considered a pro, you might want to think that if you hook into a shark or other large species, the fish will likely tow your kayak farther into the Gulf, which means you will have a long paddle back.
A few of the best spots to kayak fish include Little Lagoon, Dixey Bar, and near Robinson and Bird Island.
Plan Your Kayak Fishing Trip
One dedicated kayak angler once told me, “You slide that thing in the water, and you don’t have to worry about anything. It’s just so refreshing and relieves so much stress. You’re not buying a piece of plastic. You’re buying freedom.”
Don’t hesitate to plan a trip to paddle Alabama’s coastal waters, teeming with a variety of saltwater species that are so accessible from a stealthy kayak.
