Top Places To Go Kayak Fishing In the United States

The 5 Best Places To Go Kayak Fishing in The US

Kayak fishing is one of the best ways to explore nature deep in the waters while reeling in a catch. Besides being a sporting activity, kayak fishing is a relaxing, exciting adventure, and sometimes even a nerve-wracking challenge. Imagine reeling in a big catch alone without the heavy machinery? It is a big accomplishment for every kayak angler.

Besides knowing how to fish out of a kayak, what also makes a difference is the choice of your destination. Below I highlight the 5 best places worth visiting for kayak fishing in the USA.

5 Best Places to Go Kayak Fishing in the USA

Devil’s River, Texas

In Texas, Devil’s River is one of the best destinations for experienced anglers. The river is located in a remote and wild spot, giving you a few access points and accommodation options.  Meaning, you will have to bring all the equipment you need and take them when you are done.

The pristine ecological waterways and abundance of smallmouth bass in Devils River make the place a dream place to many. And, although angling here can be strenuous, if you have the right kayak and skills, you will enjoy fishing. If you are just a beginner, then consider starting with a budget-friendly fishing kayak, so that you can customize it to your own liking over time.

The best times to visit the place are spring and fall. You can catch smallmouth bass, carp, catfish, and largemouth bass during this time

You should plan to use topwater lures in the morning and evening and subsurface later during the day. Therefore, Texas-rigged soft plastics, wacky rigged soft plastics, and jerk baits will come in handy.

Shenandoah River, Virginia

This is one of the rivers that flows from south to north and is best explored through kayak fishing. You will enjoy the charming views, crystal clear waters, and abundant wildlife as you hunt for a catch.

The many spots to launch and dock also allow you to decide how long you want to be on the water. Some areas will give you 3 hours while others let you fish as long as you wish.

You can visit the place all year round to hunt for the most popular gamefish, smallmouth. There are also other species such as crappie, catfish, largemouth bass, and muskellunge. Plan to use moving baits during fall and spring as the bass will be active, and crawfish can land you a catch all year round.

Kona Coast, Hawaii

If you wish to hunt for giant fish such as grey snapper and huge tuna, then Kona Coast in Hawaii is the place to visit. The destination has a steep drop-off less than a mile from the shoreline, where you can pull monster fish from the deep waters.

There is a harbor to launch your kayak, and with a depth finder, you can easily land one within minutes. You can jig or rig up live bait, as this is the most popular way of catching fish in the destination. It’s important that you are skilled when it comes to entering and exiting the kayak, especially with all the fishing gear that you’ll be taking with you.

Wando River, South Carolina

Located north of Charleston, the Wando River is a great kayak fishing destination to hook up some speckled trout and redfish. The river is not very large, but plenty of creeks ledges, and other structures provide great habitat for the fish. Plus, there are several spots and feeder creeks to launch your kayak. These include Paradise Island Public Boat landing, Dunes West Boat Ramp, Hidden Cove Landing, and Remley’s Point Public Boat Landing. 

Here, you can catch the redfish and speckled trout all year round using either lure or live baits. Pay keen attention to spots facing currents such as pilings, grassy points, and oyster beds. And use topwater plugs when the waters hit 70 degrees low to 60 degrees high.

Fishing from a kayak in Wando gives you better chances as you can easily maneuver through the backwater creek connecting to the river.

Lake Guntersville, Alabama

Enjoy a unique kayak fishing adventure in Lake Guntersville in Alabama. There are several recreational facilities and parks plus 900 miles of shoreline to fish from. As you paddle along, you will also catch the stunning scenery of the Appalachian foothills.

Lake Guntersville, therefore, gives you a perfect spot for nature watching, water paddling, and kayak fishing. Here, there is an abundance of largemouth bass and a substantial sauger, crappie, and catfish population.  But, to get the most, you will have to kayak to less popular areas in the water.

The largemouth is mostly found in slack water areas and near water covers. Therefore, top waters, spinnerbaits, or crankbaits will work best when hunting in such areas.

Key Insights & Takeaways

The US is one of the amazing destinations for Kayak fishing. But, the 5 places we have mentioned give you the best experience. Please put them on your bucket list, tick them one by one and share with us your experience.

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About the Author: Ally Mash is an avid outdoor enthusiast who has spent most of his free time backpacking through South America, Iceland, Vietnam, and Europe. He loves sharing his experience through blogging. His mission is to get more people in the mindset of protecting our planet by sharing its beauty.

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