NH Fishing Guide Tim Moore as he heads out onto Great Bay to catch some stripers from a kayak!
Kayak fishing for striped bass and other local gamefish has surged in popularity over the past few years with Goose Hummock customers, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of accessibility by ease of handling, quiet stealth, and freedom from being stuck on the beach when the summer waters get to hot inshore offers an exciting solution for Goose Hummock customers. Among the most sought-after species for kayak fishermen on Cape Cod is the striped bass. Perhaps Cape Cod's most sought after and popular gamefish, striped bass can be found in nearly every saltwater body on the Cape, making them an ideal target for kayakers in a wide range of environments suitable for chasing them in kayaks.
Why Choose a Kayak for Striped Bass Fishing?
Fishing for striped bass from a kayak offers a unique set of advantages. Kayaks are small, lightweight, and able to access areas that larger boats simply can’t reach. This allows anglers to explore secluded waters, whether it’s the shorelines of coastal estuaries, river mouths, or shallow, softer current bays. Striped bass, often found in these types of habitats, can be easy to spook, but a kayak provides anglers with the ability to silently drift through these areas, greatly increasing the chances of sneaking up on them in a way that is hard or impossible in a traditional power boat.
Maybe more importantly, kayaks are more affordable and far easier to transport than traditional fishing power boats. With just a roof rack, truck bed or trailer, you can easily take your kayak to different fishing spots. The simplicity and relatively low cost of kayak fishing make it an appealing option for anglers of all skill levels and budgets.
Choosing the Right Gear for Striped Bass Kayak Fishing
One of the key components to successful kayak fishing for striped bass is having the right gear. First and foremost, a fishing kayak designed for stability and comfort is essential. Look for a kayak with a wider base for increased stability, especially when you hook into a large striped bass. A sit-on-top style kayak is a popular choice, as it provides greater freedom of movement, and allows for easier casting and reeling. You can check out the various options we carry here.
For striped bass fishing, you’ll also need a medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting rod with a strong, braided line. A reel with a smooth drag system is crucial, as striped bass are known for their powerful runs. Make sure to use a line rated for at least 20-30 pounds to ensure you can handle the strain of a large fish. Lures such as swimming plugs, soft plastics, and topwater poppers are commonly used to catch striped bass, though live bait like menhaden or eel can also be highly effective.
When fishing from a kayak, it can be a big help to have a fish finder. A fish finder allows you to locate schools of striped bass or the baitfish they feed on in real time, helping you target specific areas where fish are most likely to be. Being able to see underwater structures, drop-offs, and temperature changes can greatly improve your chances of success. Many of the dedicated fishing kayaks we sell at the Goose come with easy to use mounts to attch fishing electronics. On the models that don't , we sell the mounting kits that are pretty straight forward to install.
Techniques for Striped Bass Fishing from a Kayak
Although striped bass like to hang out in specific areas, most of the time, being able to cover alot of water is key when they are hard to find. Perhaps the most effective strategy for covering alot of water is trolling, where you drag a lure or live bait behind your kayak as you paddle through productive waters. This allows you to cover large areas and locate fish. .
Another important technique for kayak anglers is drift fishing. By allowing the current or wind to slowly carry your kayak while you maintain a steady line, you can naturally present bait or lures in a way that mimics the movement of natural prey. This method is especially effective in estuaries or bays where striped bass are known to feed.
Safety Considerations
As with any type of fishing, safety is crucial. Always wear a life jacket, as kayaking can be unpredictable, especially in rough water or when handling a large fish. Bring along a whistle or other signaling device, and make sure to have a kayak anchor or drift sock to help stabilize your boat when you’re in a prime fishing spot. Additionally, always check the weather conditions before heading out and make sure you’re prepared for any changes in conditions.
The ability to access remote areas hard to get into in a big power boat, coupled with the excitement of reeling in a hard-fighting fish while you are at water level with them, makes striped bass fishing from a kayak a must try experience. By selecting the right gear, using effective techniques, and prioritizing safety, anglers can maximize their chances of landing a prized striped bass while enjoying the unique experience of kayak fishing.
Never tried a kayak and not sure you would like it? Rent a kayak from the Goose Hummock before you buy....
Goose Hummock has a huge rental kayak fleet , in season, that offers you a low cost way to try out a kayak without making the big commitment of a purchase . The experienced pro staff at the Goose Hummock Outdoors Center will spend some time with you giving you quick tips and instruction on how to paddle and control the kayak. While we don't rent out fully rigged, dedicated fishing models , we do have very stable recreational models that will allow you to get a feel for what kayaks and kayak fishing will look and feel like.
While kayak fishing is a super low cost way of getting on the water to fish for striped bass relative to power boating, some of the top of the line offerings we carry can get up there a bit. As a result, Goose Hummock has partnered with SHOP for the 2025 season. If you order your fishing kayak online with us, you can use SHOP PAY to arrange for payments in short term , affordable monthly installments.