I was on my kayak, using the only thing I could find, a borrowed 9ft fishing rod, about as clunky as a pole can be on a small kayak like mine. It did get me thinking though. What is the best length rod for Kayak Fishing?
The best length rod for Kayak Fishing falls within the 6ft to 7.5ft range. A shorter rod is used when more control is needed, such as fishing in confined areas such as shoreline coves or near piers. When kayak fishing in open water, a longer pole can be used to get more distance with each cast.
Most fishermen base their rod choice on control or casting distance, but there are other factors to consider. Kayak length can determine what size pole you will use as well as the conditions, pole maneuverability and fishing style.
The Best Length Rod for Kayak Fishing Based on Conditions
There is quite a range when it comes to the right length fishing pole to use when fishing from a kayak, and let’s face it, fishing gear is not cheap. So we want to find the right rod length that can work in a variety of conditions.
Fishing close to shore, where there may be trees overhanging the water or smaller spaces to easily cast from, most anglers choose a pole that is closer to 6ft – 6 1/2ft in length. Fishing poles within this range tend to cast more accurately, allowing for more controlled casts which make them the best length pole for these conditions.
You would also use these length fishing poles when fishing near piers, docks, small rivers or wherever tight spaces and the need for accuracy may occur.
What you gain in accuracy you lose in casting distance.
To be able to get better casting distance, a longer fishing pole is desired in the 7ft to 7½ft range. These poles are used in open waters such as lakes and oceans. The fishing pole can be used to cast a considerable distance comfortably from the seated position of a kayak. The 7ft – 7½ft length of these fishing poles are also the best poles to use while trolling from a fishing kayak.
One thing to consider for kayak purposes is that when you are going with a fishing pole that is 7’+ in length, make sure the rear grip or butt end of the pole is as short as your body will allow for easier handling.
The length of your fishing kayak determines the length of your rod.
You may also want to consider the length of your kayak when deciding the length of your fishing pole.
If it’s not long enough to get over the bow (front) of your kayak, that could become a problem. If your hooked fish decides to play with you, crossing under your boat and your pole is not long enough to accommodate that, you might just get all tripped up and lose your catch.
Below are our recommended minimum and maximum length for your fishing rod based upon the length of your Kayak.
| 6’ Pole | 6.5’ Pole | 7’ Pole | 8’ Pole | |
| 10’ Kayak |  | | | |
| 12’ Kayak | | | ||
| 16’ Kayak | | | |
Your fishing style may warrant a different size fishing pole then what was mentioned above, but for most average anglers, you won’t go wrong by sticking to the chart.
Another reason the length of your kayak will affect the length of your rod is for those times your line gets snagged or tangled. It’s a bit tricky untangling line off the end of a 7½’ pole when you’re sitting in a 10’ kayak. In order to reach the tip of your pole in this situation, your reel usually has to take a dunk. If you’re fishing in saltwater, that’s a sure-fire way to shorten the life of your reel REAL quick!! That’s why we stick with a maximum size rod based on the size of the kayak.
Your Fishing Style Determines your Rod Length
Are you looking to do a little whipping off your kayak? Then light tackle will be your choice.
A fishing pole in the 6’ to 6½’ range is perfect for whipping your line off of a kayak. It’s light, compact and easy to maneuver in a small space like a kayak. Casting your line back and forth will be a breeze with a shorter pole.
You can also get away with a 7’ pole here as well, but once again, you will want to make sure that the rear grip or butt end of the fishing pole is as short as your body will allow. Anything longer and you begin to get your pole tied up on your body and your gear. Before you know it, you’ll be wishing you had a smaller pole.
When Dunking or Trolling off of your kayak, a fishing pole in the 7’ to 7½’ range will be what you want to choose. They can cast a good distance and withstand any decent strike that you might get while fishing in deeper waters.
Another reason I like a longer rod for trolling is that when I’m out on my kayak with as many as 2 other rods in tow, I feel the extra length gives me a little more room to maneuver those other poles around, which tend to be shorter in length than my trolling rod.
What Should My Kayak Fishing Pole be Made of?
What your fishing pole is made of is just as important as its length. You are already paddling your fishing kayak great distances, fatiguing your body. Does your fishing pole have to cause you to become even more tired?
When choosing a rod for Kayak fishing, it should be light in weight so it’s easier on your body. Fiberglass rods tend to be heavier in weight, so you will want to choose a spinning rod made from 24-ton carbon fiber blanks (aka graphite) because they are lighter and more sensitive.
My favorite, when it comes to price, weight and sensitivity, I really like the Ugly Stick Tiger Elite Spinning Rod. It is a very strong rod, yet still sensitive and flexible enough at the rod tip to feel the smallest nibbles. For $60, it is better than other rods 3x’s its price and will outlast almost any other too!
The Difference Between a Spinning Rod and a Casting rod.
When you are choosing a rod, you will come across two different types, a Spinning rod and a casting rod.
A casting rod is best used for trolling off your kayak. The rods are easier to use in a rod holder and making it simple to release more line to present your bait how you want it.
Many anglers have problems with getting their lines tangled with casting reels, which would be paired with a casting rod, so it is generally recommended that beginners use a spinning rod and reel combo.
A casting rod is best differentiated from a spinning rod by the “trigger” located near the reel. The rod is also outfitted with uniform guide sizing.
Spinning rods are the best for the beginner angler. The line is harder to tangle and it is more simple to cast. Spinning rods are great rods when finesse is needed, like when you are fishing within a small cove, rocky shoreline or small river. When casting over and over like you do when whipping, a spinning rod would be the rod of choice.
Below is an image of a spinning rod, you will notice that there is NO “trigger” near the reel and the guides are larger than that of a casting rod.
How to Take Care Of, Store and Transport your Fishing Poles.
Your fishing gear typically represents a significant investment. You want to take care of your equipment so it will last a long time. Below are some general Do’s and Don’ts of being a responsible fishing pole owner.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Carry the rod horizontally with tip facing the rear | Overflex Your Rod |
| Transport your rods in a safe case, like pvc pipe | Transport or store your rod where heavier things may smash it. |
| Clean rod with soapy water regularly | Hang lures or hooks on the guides |
| Store on racks, horizontally | Store on the ground, or standing vertically |
I hope this gets you closer towards catching more fish from your kayak. Aloha!!