Kayak fishing guide
Fishing from a Kayak
Kayak fishing brings you wonderfully close to the water and opens up quiet marks the shore angler can only dream of, but it should never be taken casually. With sensible planning, the right safety kit and a simple, compact setup, it's a hugely rewarding way to fish. At Down The Cove we always say the same thing: get your safety and your skills sorted first, then enjoy every peaceful paddle out.
At a glance
Paddle to sheltered marks in settled weather, anchor or drift over likely ground, and fish light with short drops rather than long casts.
- Best for
- Confident, well-equipped paddlers who want quiet, close-range access to sheltered coastal water and gentle marks.
- How it fishes
- Quiet, mobile and weather-dependent: wonderfully close to the water, but only ever as safe as your planning and the conditions allow.
- Tackle
- Shorter rods, compact reels, a small box of lures and rigs, plus leashes and secure storage so nothing rolls off in a swell.
- Bait & rigs
- Keep it simple — small jigs, soft lures, feathers or a light baited rig are far easier to manage afloat than messy or bulky baits.
- Safety
- Always wear a buoyancy aid, carry a means of calling for help, check wind and tide carefully, and never paddle beyond your experience or out to sea alone.
- Good to know
- Start with short trips in calm, sheltered water and build up slowly — the calmest plan is almost always the best plan afloat.
A kayak opens up quiet Cornish coves you can't reach on foot, but we'd always say a sensible forecast and safety come before the fishing.
Stay safe: Always wear a buoyancy aid, carry a means of calling for help, check wind and tide carefully, and never paddle beyond your experience or out to sea alone.
