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    Kayak Fishing

    ​Pair your two favorite outdoor activities together with kayak fishing!

    Man wearing a life jacket kayaking with his dog, also wearing a life jacket, and fishing on Poe Lake in Centre County.

    How to Choose a Kayak

    Read articles from our Angler & Boater magazine to help you decide which boat is best for you! 

    How to Choose a Kayak

    Join our expert, Devin Winand, as he explains the differences between a sit-on-top kayak and a sit-in (or cockpit) kayak.

    Kayak Fishing Tips

    This guide will get you kayak fishing in a flash with a list of equipment and helpful tips.

    The Basics of Kayak Fishing in Less Than 90 Seconds

    If those fish aren’t biting along the shore or you just want to add some fun to your paddle trip, load up and head out for some kayak fishing! This guide will get you going in a flash with a list of equipment and helpful tips.

    Kayak Fishing Safety Gear

    Required Equipment

    Life Jackets on board for all passengers and must be worn for paddlers 12 and under and worn by everyone on paddleboards, canoes and kayaks and all boats less than 16 feet in length from Nov 1- April 30. 
    *On Pittsburgh District United States Army Corps of Engineers lakes (only), everyone in boats less than 16 feet in length and in all canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards

    Night Lights. Paddlers must carry a white light that is either hand-held or installed and ready to be diplayed in time to avoid collision. All boats must show required lights between the hours of sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility, such as fog and heavy rain. Navigation lights are designed to identify the type of boat and its situation (underway, direction of travel, at anchor, etc.) on the water. Boats underway include drifting boats. Night boaters should carry spare bulbs, fuses, batteries, and a flashlight. 

    Registration or launch permit for kayak, canoe, paddleboard. Paddlers accessing PFBC launch areas and PA State Park launch areas can get registration or a launch permit online at HuntFish.PA.gov or at an issuing agent.

    Sound-Producing Devices. Operators of unpowered boats (canoes, kayaks, rowboats, paddleboards) are required to carry a device capable of sounding a prolonged blast for 4-6 seconds that can be heard by another boat operator in time to avoid a collision. 

    Recommended Equipment

    • A change of clothes
    • A dry bag
    • A hat
    • Sunglasses
    • Sunscreen

    Make a Float Plan

    A written statement that details your intended trip and is provided to a relative, friend, neighbor, or marina operator. Include specifics about the boat, equipment, crew, and departure and arrival times.

    Download a printable Float Plan here.

    Image of a PFBC Courtesy Float Plan which is recommended to complete and leave with someone so they know your whereabouts when out paddling.

    For additional safe practices when kayaking, visit Paddlesports Safety.