Kayak fishing has been growing in popularity in recent years, with millions of fishers discovering the joys of kayak fishing on a daily basis. If you’re new to the concept and/or simply want to learn more in order to decide whether it’s a for you, then the below books are some of the best available on the market. Kayak fishing doesn’t come naturally, it takes practice, knowledge, and experienced mentorship — this is what can be found within the pages of the books we’ve selected.
Top 10 Kayak Fishing Books
The Ultimate Guide to Kayak Fishing: A Practical Guide, ByJoel Spring
As the title of this book aptly suggests, this is a highly detailed introduction and guide to kayak fishing. Therefore, it not only covers how to bait, cast, and lure fish, but also how to choose the right kayak for you and your needs. What is more, there’s even an additional kayak maintenance section, which is invaluable to kayakers of varying experiences.
Kayak Fishing: The Ultimate Guide 2nd Edition, By Scott Null
We bring to you another “ultimate guide”, only this one is by Null and is also a second edition. This means that not only will you get a different perspective to kayak fishing, but also that all the information included has been updated for contemporary readers. Furthermore, photography is used to help illustrate the different elements of the content. To those who need an introduction to the essentials, this is arguably one of the best ways to get it.
Kayak Fishing: A Guide to Freshwater Rigging, Lures, Baits, and Techniques for Kayak Fishing Success, By Chris Lutz
The title might be a lengthy one, but it helpfully highlights all the useful information that Lutz offers to his readers. This 2017 published book discusses boating etiquette, lures, casting, and release principles, all of which are invaluable to any kayak fisher, particularly those starting out. This book has been described by readers as excellent for beginners, but a bit too basic for those who are intermediate/advanced.
Kayak Fishing: The Complete Guide, By Cory Routh
If you’re looking for a kayak fisher guide that comes from one of the most influential kayakers around, then look no further than Kayak Fishing: The Complete Guide. The reason why is because Routh was the founder of the Tidewater Kayak Anglers Association, and so has lots of hands-on experience in the field. Furthermore, this book will also help you connect with clubs/organisations within the community, meaning you can further connect and educate yourself about kayak fishing once you finish reading its 160 pages.
Sportsman’s Best: Kayak Fishing Book & DVD combo, By Jeff Weakley
Consisting of 200 plus pages, this book and DVD combo is ideal for those who want an accessible introduction to the finer points of kayak fishing. Written by a sports editor, Weakley has a unique way of discussing the key elements of this type of fishing, with the book and DVD covering techniques, baiting, different methods to use, and so forth. What is more, the guide has been written to be used in any body of water, and so it has a lot of adaptability for all readers, regardless of location.
Kayak Fishing: A Practical Sea Angler’s Guide for Catching Your Favorite Big Fish from a Kayak, By Scott Parsons
As the title of the book suggests, this guide is all about being able to fish for the species you want to, without being limited by being confined to a kayak. Parsons walks you through doing this by covering topics similar to those mentioned above, e.g. baiting, as well as providing a kayak fisher checklist that is necessary for every trip out. This short book, of only 105 pages, is a great introductory/refresher read.
KAYAK FISHING: How to get started and set up your boat, By Steve Pease
Pease is an indie author who does a lot of self publishing and as such, the presentation of this book (and his others) aren’t as polished as others out there. Nonetheless, the information in this book will help you not only learn about the different methods to fishing, but also how to ensure your kayak is ready for that first outing. At only 71 pages long, this is a short, quick read.
Jonesin’ for Kayak Fishing Adventures, By Spencer Jones
Consider this not only an educational tool, but also an enjoyable, recreational read, as Jones takes you on a journey that has taken him six years to complete. This book covers a lot of details about different stages of his kayak fishing journey, and thus offers both personal insight alongside informative resources. It’s an engaging read, and at only 189 pages in length, it’s a fairly quick read for the average reader.
Saltwater Kayak Fishing The Texas Way, By Captain Sally Ann Moffett
Having clocked up over 20 years experience, Moffett is a seasoned fisher and author on the topic of kayak fishing, particularly in saltwater. This title is filled with details on how to select a kayak, maintenance, the different gear you’ll need, and various other elements of the sport. What is more, it gives a unique voice to the sport, which is predominantly regarded as a “man’s hobby”.
Kayak Fishing: The Ultimate Guide, By Scott Null Et Al
Despite being called an ultimate guide, this book is only 160 pages in length, meaning it’s a concise yet informative read. This book really covers every single element there is to kayak fishing, including starting out, freshwater fishing compared with saltwater fishing, baiting, etc. This 2007 published piece of work has been received by the community positively, with a lot of readers recommending it for fellow kayak fishers, no matter their experience.
Conclusion
As we mentioned in the introduction, kayak fishing is a form of fishing that has increased in popularity in recent years. To ensure you know exactly what you’re doing, are safe on the water, and can catch the fish you want, you need more than your wits about you. The list above is a comprehensive guide of the different books on the topic, all written from different perspectives, but each with an accessible style to them. If you intend to be the best kayak fisher you can be, these books will help you on your journey to achieving just that.