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Guided Kayak Fishing

Happy client with a nice striped bass on the line from the kayak. CT Fish Nerd Guided Kayak Fishing - Connecticut's #1 kayak fishing guide service

Kayak fishing has become increasingly popular over the last 10 years, and it's no surprise why! It is one of the most exciting ways to target any fish in either freshwater or saltwater. A pedal driven kayak provides advantages that a traditional paddle kayak (or even a boat) does not, being able to make a quiet approach to shallow or spooky fish, and the ability to hold position and propel the kayak all while never having to put the fishing rod down. My kayak fleet consisting of three well equipped, extremely stable Hobie Outbacks, provides the perfect fishing platform for up to two clients. These kayaks provide the comfort, storage space, and maneuverability to spend a full day on the water. Clients who have their own suitable fishing kayak are also welcome to bring it for their trip. Though I am equipped to only outfit up to two clients with kayaks, larger parties can be accommodated if one or more members of that party have a suitable fishing kayak to use. 15 years of experience in kayaking and over 35 years of fishing experience targeting Connecticut's wide variety of species in both saltwater and freshwater environments. 

Trip Menu

Large Striped Bass taken on a topwater plug from a fishing kayak. CT Fish Nerd Guided Kayak Fishing - Connecticut

Striped Bass

Striped bass trips are available both day and night from late April to mid November.  Experience the thrill of targeting these powerful, beautiful, majestic fish from a kayak, casting artificial lures and live eels, and in some cases live lining bunker. The "sleigh rides" stripers will take you on in a kayak are like nothing else! The majority of the trips I guide are for striped bass. (All striped bass in healthy condition caught with CT Fish Nerd will be released, no exceptions.)

Stringer of keeper sized blackfish aka tautog

Blackfish (Tautog)

What these fish lack in the way of looks, they make up for in raw power and deliciousness. One of the best fighting and best tasting fish in Long Island Sound. There is a spring, summer, and fall season for blackfish, most of my efforts are in the fall, fishing fairly shallow with light tackle.

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Happy client with a kayak caught false albacore

False Albacore

Better known throughout the northeast as "albies", they are the fastest swimming fish that grace Connecticut's waters. Maddening at times but the reward of catching them outweighs the frustration. The extreme highs and lows of targeting them, and of course the drag burning runs are what keep anglers coming back for more every year starting in September. Chasing these fish in the kayak is an absolute riot, and their topwater blitzes are a spectacle.

porgy aka scup caught while kayak fishing

Mixed Bag Inshore

Variety is the spice of life, and Long Island Sound provides just that. A mixed bag trip could mean stripers and/or blues on topwater in the morning, followed by jigging for bottom fish from fluke to scup to black sea bass and likely some oddball species in between. Light tackle makes it that much more fun!

nice sized smallmouth bass caught from a Hobie Outback kayak

Smallmouth Bass

These fish are hands down the hardest fighting fish for their size in Connecticut's freshwater lakes and rivers. Most of the smallies I target and guide clients for are in river environments, which always makes for a fun kayak fishing expedition! Smallmouth trips are available and worthwhile year-round, even through the extreme heat of summer and dead of winter. River Wading Trips for smallmouth bass are also available June thru early September.

Happy client with his personal best northern pike while kayak fishing

Northern Pike

Pike are the one of the largest predatory fish in Connecticut's freshwater lakes and rivers. They can be a bit more elusive than other species, but tying into a big one is extremely rewarding! These fish will get your adrenaline pumping by following lures all the way back to the kayak, and their strikes feel like a freight train! Pike trips are available late winter/early spring through fall.

nice sized crappie aka calico bass

Crappie & Perch

Some of the best fishing in the state through the colder months is for panfish such as black crappie, yellow perch, and white perch. It may sound like an odd choice for a target species, but with non-stop action and some speciemens breaking 15" or more, they make for a fun day on the water. They also taste pretty good too.

Happy client with his personal best largemouth bass

Largemouth Bass

The most recognized freshwater gamefish in the country is certainly a great target species right here in Connecticut just about year round. Most of the largemouth bass fishing I spend time doing is in the spring before they spawn due to my annual shift in focus to striped bass, but I have plenty of experience with summer, fall, and winter largemouth bass bites.

Kayak Fishing for northern pike

Mixed Bag Freshwater

A mixed bag trip on the Connecticut River could mean a large variety of species caught using a wide array of techniques in several very different freshwater habitats. Depending on time of year, these trips could yield 10 or more species, including largemouth & smallmouth bass, pike, pickerel, crappie, yellow & white perch, bowfin, striped bass, and others. Part of the excitement in fishing the Connecticut River is not knowing what you'll catch next!

What is provided:

  • Hobie Mirage Outback Kayak (with pedal drive system)

  • Fishing gear necessary for catching the target species

  • PFD/Life Jacket

  • Waterproof Splash Pants

  • Sunscreen & Bug Repellent

  • Snacks & Bottled Water

  • First Aid Supplies (if needed)

What you should bring: (*= required)

  • Valid Connecticut (or reciprocal state) Fishing License (link below)*

  • Sunglasses

  • Appropriate clothing for conditions

  • Waterproof jacket and pants

  • Water shoes or boots (depending on season)

  • Fishing gear you wish to use

  • Cell phone and/or camera

  • Change of clothes (just in case)

  • Towel

  • Any required medications

What you SHOULD NOT bring:

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Illegal/Controlled substances of any kind

  • Firearms or weapons

  • Waders (Kayak trips only. Waders optional for wading trips.)

Your Guide, Josh Rayner with a large striped bass landed in a kayak

Your Guide: Josh Rayner

15 years of kayak fishing experience and 35 years total fishing experience, targeting a variety of species imparting countless techniques in Connecticut's freshwater rivers & lakes and eastern Long Island Sound & connecting waterways. 

Rates

Single Trip:

One Angler, Half Day (5 hrs):  $300

One Angler, Full Day (9 hrs):   $500

Two Anglers, Half Day (5 hrs): $400 

Two Anglers, Full Day (9 hrs):  $600

3 Pack:

One Angler, Half Days (5 hrs): $750 

(Save $150)

One Angler, Full Days (9 hrs): $1300

(Save $200)

Two Anglers, Half Days (5 hrs): $1000

(Save $200)

Two Anglers, Full Days (9 hrs): $1550

(Save $250)