VIDEO: Kayak Fishing for Striped Bass Tactics and Tips

Kayak fishing is one of the most exciting ways to target striped bass, giving anglers the ability to reach prime fishing spots that boats can’t always access. In this video, I hit the water with  Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) scientist Ben Gahagan to explore the best techniques for catching and safely releasing striped bass from a kayak. We start with some essential safety tips, then, we break down the mechanics of using a pedal-drive kayak, which allows for hands-free fishing.

Once on the water, we quickly find striped bass actively feeding near moving currents and structure. Ben shares insights into how water temperature affects striper behavior, explaining why certain areas hold fish early in the season but become less productive as summer heats up. We also discuss how baitfish patterns and seabird activity can clue us in on the best lures to use. Throughout the session, we experiment with different presentations, from soft plastics on single hooks to topwater lures that draw explosive strikes. Fishing from a kayak keeps us low to the water, allowing us to observe the fish’s natural feeding behaviors up close.

Conservation is a major focus of our trip, as we emphasize proper handling and release techniques to keep the striped bass population healthy. We talk about the latest research on catch-and-release mortality, including how using single hooks instead of trebles, minimizing fight and handling time, and ensuring fish are released properly can increase a fish’s chance of survival. When fishing in warmer water, quick releases and careful handling become even more important. By the end of the trip, we’ve landed plenty of fish, tested different techniques, and gained a deeper understanding of how to be more effective and responsible striped bass anglers.

This video is part of a three-video series we filmed with DMF, highlighting striper fishing tactics and techniques in three different scenarios: boat fishing, shore fishing, and kayak fishing.

Enjoy!

Source: https://onthewater.com/video-kayak-fishing-for-striped-bass-tactics-and-tips

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