Can You Fish From an Inflatable Kayak? | Australian Guide

by River to Ocean August 10, 2026

Can You Fish From an Inflatable Kayak? A Complete Australian Guide

If you love fishing but don't want the cost, storage requirements and hassle of owning a traditional boat, an inflatable fishing kayak could be the perfect solution.

But can you actually fish from an inflatable kayak?

Absolutely.

Modern inflatable kayaks are surprisingly stable, portable and capable fishing platforms. Whether you're fishing rivers, lakes, estuaries or suitable coastal waters, a well-designed inflatable kayak can give you access to fishing spots that are difficult to reach from the shore.

In this guide, we'll look at how good inflatable kayaks are for fishing, what to look for when choosing one, how to stay stable while casting and what fishing gear you can take with you.

Is an Inflatable Kayak Good for Fishing?

Yes. A good-quality inflatable kayak can be an excellent fishing platform.

Modern inflatable kayaks are designed very differently from basic recreational inflatables. Many have:

Wide, stable hulls
Multiple air chambers
High weight capacities
Adjustable seats
Removable skegs or fins for tracking
Plenty of open deck space
Accessory attachment points
Storage areas
Fishing rod holders or mounting options on some models

The biggest advantage is accessibility.

Instead of needing a trailer and boat ramp, you can pack your kayak into your vehicle, drive to a fishing location and carry it to the water.

That makes inflatable kayaks particularly appealing for anglers who enjoy exploring different fishing spots.

Why Fish From an Inflatable Kayak?

There are several reasons kayak fishing has become so popular.

1. You Can Reach Places Boats Can't

A kayak can get into shallow water, narrow waterways and smaller areas where a traditional boat may struggle.

You can explore:

Rivers
Lakes
Creeks
Estuaries
Inshore coastal areas
Backwaters
Sheltered bays

This can put you closer to fish without needing a large boat.

2. They're Easy to Transport

This is arguably the biggest advantage of an inflatable kayak.

A traditional fishing kayak can be awkward to transport and may require roof racks or a trailer.

An inflatable kayak can be deflated and packed away in a carry bag.

That means you can take it:

In the car
Camping
On road trips
On holidays
To fishing trips away from home

For Australian anglers who like exploring different locations, that portability is a huge advantage.

3. They're Easy to Store

Not everyone has room for a kayak hanging from the garage ceiling.

An inflatable kayak can be deflated, dried and stored in a cupboard, garage or other suitable storage area.

This makes them particularly attractive for people living in homes or apartments where storage is limited.

Are Inflatable Kayaks Stable Enough to Fish From?

This is probably the biggest question first-time kayak anglers ask.

A quality inflatable kayak can be very stable, but not every inflatable kayak is suitable for fishing.

A narrow recreational kayak designed primarily for paddling will behave differently from a wider kayak designed for stability.

If fishing is your main purpose, look for a kayak with:

A wide hull

Generally, a wider kayak provides a more stable platform than a narrow performance-oriented kayak.

Good weight capacity

Remember that the weight capacity needs to include you + your fishing equipment + food + water + safety equipment + anything else you're carrying.

A stable seating position

A good adjustable seat can make a significant difference to comfort and control during a long fishing session.

A suitable open deck

You'll want enough room to move your legs and access your fishing equipment without constantly knocking things over.

Can You Stand Up in an Inflatable Fishing Kayak?

Some fishing-specific inflatable kayaks are designed to provide enough stability for standing, but you should never assume that every inflatable kayak is suitable for standing up.

Standing changes the centre of gravity considerably.

If you want to stand and fish, look specifically for a model designed and marketed for that purpose and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

For most beginners, sitting down is the safest and easiest way to fish from an inflatable kayak.

Once you're comfortable with the kayak's stability and movement on the water, you can determine whether your particular model is suitable for standing.

What Fish Can You Catch From an Inflatable Kayak?

That depends entirely on where you're fishing.

In Australia, kayak anglers target a huge variety of species depending on the state and waterway.

Depending on your location, you could be targeting:

Bream
Flathead
Australian salmon
Bass
Murray cod
Golden perch
Redfin
Whiting
Snapper
Squid
Australian trout
Other local species

The important thing is to check the fishing rules for your particular location.

For example, South Australia's recreational fishing rules include species-specific size and bag limits, fishing closures and restrictions on fishing equipment. PIRSA recommends checking the current rules before fishing. (pir.sa.gov.au)

What Fishing Gear Can You Take on an Inflatable Kayak?

One of the great things about kayak fishing is that you don't need to take your entire tackle box.

A simple setup might include:

Fishing rod

A shorter rod can be easier to manage from a kayak than a long surf or boat rod.

Small tackle box

Take only the lures, hooks and terminal tackle you actually need.

Landing net

A small landing net can make landing fish considerably easier.

Pliers

Useful for removing hooks and handling tackle.

Fish finder

Some inflatable fishing kayaks can be equipped with fish-finding electronics, depending on the design and available mounting options.

Paddle

Even if you're using an electric motor, a paddle is important as a backup and for manoeuvring.

Anchor or anchor system

For suitable locations, an anchor can help keep you positioned over a productive fishing spot. Always consider depth, current, weather and local regulations.

Dry bag

Keep your phone, wallet, keys and other valuables protected.

How Do You Carry Fishing Rods on an Inflatable Kayak?

This depends on the kayak.

Some models include dedicated rod holders, while others allow accessories to be attached using compatible mounting systems.

If your kayak doesn't have built-in rod holders, you can look for a suitable aftermarket solution—but make sure anything you attach is compatible with the kayak and doesn't compromise the material, valves, seams or safety.

A simple approach for beginners is to carry one or two rods rather than trying to recreate your entire boat setup.

Keeping the kayak uncluttered makes fishing much easier.

Inflatable Kayak vs Fishing Boat

If you're trying to decide between an inflatable kayak and a small fishing boat, the biggest difference is portability.

Feature	Inflatable Kayak	Small Fishing Boat
Transport	Excellent	Usually requires trailer or roof racks
Storage	Excellent	Requires more space
Launching	Very easy in suitable locations	Usually boat ramp
Motor	Optional depending on model	Usually available
Fishing space	Limited	More room
Number of anglers	Usually 1–2	Often more
Fuel costs	Very low	Higher
Access to shallow water	Excellent	Depends on hull
Setup	Quick	More involved
Best for	Solo/recreational fishing	Larger fishing trips

For someone who wants to fish occasionally and explore different waterways, an inflatable kayak can be a much simpler option.

For several anglers, offshore fishing or carrying large amounts of equipment, a traditional boat may be more appropriate.

Inflatable Kayak vs Hard-Shell Fishing Kayak

There are also advantages to choosing an inflatable kayak over a rigid kayak.

Inflatable kayak advantages

Portability

Pack it into your vehicle rather than needing a roof rack.

Storage

Deflate it when you're finished.

Weight

Many inflatable kayaks are considerably easier to carry than large rigid fishing kayaks.

Travel

Take it camping or on road trips.

Launching

You aren't restricted to traditional kayak launching points.

Hard-shell kayak advantages

A rigid fishing kayak can offer:

Greater rigidity
More dedicated fishing features on some models
More storage options on certain designs
No inflation time
A permanently ready-to-go setup

The right choice depends on how you intend to fish.

Are Inflatable Kayaks Safe for Fishing?

A quality inflatable kayak used correctly can be a safe recreational fishing platform, but the conditions matter enormously.

Always choose a kayak appropriate for the water you're planning to fish.

A kayak suitable for a calm lake shouldn't automatically be considered suitable for exposed coastal conditions.

Before heading out, check:

Weather forecast
Wind
Tides
Current
Water temperature
Your experience level
Your kayak's capacity
Your kayak's operating limitations

Always wear an appropriate personal flotation device and carry the safety equipment required for your location.

If you're in South Australia, the rules and requirements can depend on the type of vessel and how it's powered. For example, SA guidance specifically provides an exemption from boat licensing and registration for kayaks/canoes fitted with an electric motor under 150 newtons (34 lb thrust), provided the stated conditions are met. (South Australia)

Always check the current regulations for your state or territory before heading out.

Can You Put an Electric Motor on an Inflatable Kayak?

Some inflatable kayaks are designed to accommodate an electric motor, while others are designed purely for paddle use.

If you're considering an electric motor, check:

Whether the kayak is motor compatible
Maximum motor thrust
Motor mounting system
Battery weight
Total weight capacity
Local registration and licensing requirements

Don't modify a kayak to accept a motor unless the manufacturer specifically allows it.

How Do You Prevent Your Fishing Gear From Getting Wet?

This is one of the challenges of kayak fishing.

Even on calm water, you'll probably encounter some spray.

A good system is to separate your equipment into waterproof or water-resistant storage:

Dry bag:
Phone, keys, wallet and clothing.

Tackle box:
Lures, hooks and fishing tools.

Cooler or fish bag:
Food and your catch where permitted.

Waterproof phone case:
Your phone should remain accessible for emergencies while protected from water.

Keep heavier items low and central in the kayak to help maintain stability.

How Much Weight Can an Inflatable Kayak Carry?

Every kayak is different, so always use the manufacturer's stated maximum capacity.

Remember that capacity isn't simply your body weight.

For example:

Angler + kayak accessories + fishing rods + tackle + water + food + safety equipment + catch = total load.

If you weigh 90 kg and your equipment weighs another 15 kg, your kayak needs to comfortably accommodate at least 105 kg of load—not just your body weight.

It's also sensible to leave some capacity rather than operating right at the maximum limit.

Tips for Your First Inflatable Kayak Fishing Trip

If you're new to kayak fishing, keep your first trip simple.

1. Start somewhere sheltered

Choose calm water that you're familiar with.

2. Don't overload the kayak

Take only the equipment you actually need.

3. Practise paddling first

Spend some time getting comfortable with the kayak before picking up a fishing rod.

4. Practise reaching for equipment

Make sure you can safely access your tackle and other equipment without leaning excessively.

5. Keep your centre of gravity low

Avoid standing or making sudden movements unless your kayak is specifically designed for it.

6. Check the weather

Conditions can change quickly.

7. Tell someone where you're going

Especially when fishing alone.

8. Take a communication device

Your phone should be protected from water and easily accessible.

9. Wear your PFD

Don't treat a personal flotation device as optional.

10. Start close to shore

Build up your experience before heading further from land.

Is an Inflatable Kayak Worth It for Fishing?

For many Australian anglers, yes.

If you want a fishing platform that is:

Portable
Easy to store
Easy to transport
Affordable compared with many boat setups
Suitable for exploring shallow water
Simple to launch
Great for solo adventures

an inflatable kayak can be an excellent choice.

They're particularly appealing to anglers who don't want the commitment of a trailer, boat storage and a large fishing setup.

The key is choosing the right inflatable kayak for fishing, rather than simply choosing the cheapest inflatable kayak available.

What to Look for When Buying an Inflatable Fishing Kayak

If fishing is your primary reason for buying a kayak, I'd prioritise these features:

⭐ Stability

Choose a design that provides a stable platform for casting, landing fish and moving around.

⭐ Weight capacity

Make sure it comfortably accommodates you and all your equipment.

⭐ Durable construction

Look for quality materials designed for repeated use.

⭐ Comfortable seating

You'll potentially spend several hours sitting in the kayak.

⭐ Tracking

A good tracking system makes paddling between fishing spots easier.

⭐ Storage

Look for practical areas where tackle and personal equipment can be secured.

⭐ Fishing accessories

Rod holders and accessory attachment points can make a big difference.

⭐ Portability

One of the main reasons to choose an inflatable kayak is being able to take it wherever you go.

Final Verdict: Can You Fish From an Inflatable Kayak?

Yes—and they're surprisingly capable fishing platforms.

A quality inflatable kayak can give you access to fishing locations without the cost, storage requirements and complexity of a traditional boat.

For solo anglers, couples, campers and families who enjoy exploring Australia's waterways, an inflatable kayak can be a fantastic way to spend more time on the water.

The most important thing is to choose a kayak with enough stability, capacity and durability for the way you intend to fish.

And once you've got your kayak, a paddle, a rod and a handful of lures may be all you need for your next fishing adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you fish standing up in an inflatable kayak?

Some inflatable kayaks are specifically designed to allow standing, but many aren't. Always check the manufacturer's specifications and practise in calm, shallow water before attempting to stand.

Are inflatable kayaks stable enough for fishing?

Many are. Wider inflatable kayaks with stable hull designs can provide an excellent fishing platform. Stability varies between models, so choose a kayak designed for your intended use.

Can you use an electric motor on an inflatable kayak?

Some models are designed for electric motors. Check the manufacturer's specifications before fitting a motor and make sure you comply with local boating regulations.

Are inflatable kayaks good for ocean fishing?

Some are suitable for sheltered coastal waters, but not every inflatable kayak is designed for ocean conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations and check weather and sea conditions.

Can two people fish from an inflatable kayak?

Yes, if the kayak is designed for two people and has sufficient capacity. Remember that the total capacity includes both people and all equipment.

Do you need a fishing licence to fish from a kayak?

Fishing licence requirements vary between Australian states and territories and can also depend on the location and type of fishing. In South Australia, a recreational fishing licence is generally not required, although permits are required for fishing in certain reservoirs. (pir.sa.gov.au)

🎣 Ready to Try Kayak Fishing?

At River to Ocean Adventures, we stock inflatable kayaks and watercraft designed to make getting out on the water easier.

Whether you're looking for a solo fishing kayak, tandem inflatable kayak or a versatile kayak for fishing, camping and family adventures, choosing the right model starts with understanding how and where you'll use it.

Explore our range of inflatable kayaks and start planning your next fishing adventure.