4 Kayak Fishing Tips for Beginners from Economy Tackle

4 Kayak Fishing Tips for Beginners

Kayak Fishing is such a popular sport. The kayaks are becoming increasingly more advanced each time a new one comes out. The fishing gear available today is abundant, and there are so many little gadgets you can add to your yak to make it perfectly suitable for you, the possibilities are endless. Our kayak fishing tips are just a little tidbit of more information to help you get started, or help make this sport a little more productive!

Pick your kayak that you’ll be using for kayak fishing. Decide if you’ll use a pedal kayak, or a more traditional one with paddles. A pedal kayak will allow for hands free fishing making it easier. One with paddles will make you need to be accustomed to one handed fishing. You’ll also want a paddle leash so you don’t lose a paddle overboard.
Determine where you’ll be fishing. It’s important that you know your location, not only so you’re familiar with it, but so that you know what conditions will be like and which types of fish are available in the area and are in season.
Learn how to sight fish. Kayak fishing is special because it’s quiet, so you’re not spooking the fish, making sight fishing easier than in a power boat. Just be sure to cast past the fish, and keep the sun in front of you. Also, invest in a good pair of polarized sunglasses.
The closer you stick to the shoreline, the less of the current you’ll feel, making it easier as you start out.

We have a full line of fishing kayaks, as well as plenty of fishing gear to keep you going or to get you started as a beginner. Check out our store in Sarasota, FL or contact us online to see what we have for you.

Summer’s Trending Color for Kayaks and Kayak Accessories

July 5, 2025

Mint is summer’s color. From boats to totes, it’s a refreshing hue. Check out the trending color in these kayaks and kayak accessories:

Hurricane Kayaks just released their mint-colored boats that include the Osprey 109 and Osprey 120, the Prima 110 and Prima 125, the Santee 116 and the Skimmer 106.

Hurriance Kayak’s NEW mint-colored, lightweight, sit-on-top Skimmer 106.

Native Watercraft has the ‘Andros Green’ for their Slayer Propel 10 LTE peddle-driven fishing kayak.

Native Slayer Propel 10 LTE Fishing Kayak

Need something light, dry and cute to take on your sunset beach walk? Gecko has waterproof phone pouches in ‘Sage Green.’
Gecko Sage Green Waterproof Phone Pouch

Complete your look with these awesome Astral Loyak AC shoes in ‘Seaglass Green.’
Astral Loyak AC Shoes with G-Formula Rubber for grip technology like no other!

Summer may be almost over but your kayak adventures are not. These trending colors are a subtle transition into the cooler months ahead. Come in-store for these products and more, located in our kayak section. Some are also listed on our online store here.

UPCOMING EVENT!!

May 5, 2025

PENN MEET & GREET!

Thursday May 22nd from 4-7pm we will be holding an in store meet & greet with director and brand development manager for all PENN products. We will also have Captain Geoff Page and Ron Houston here with The Florida Insider Fishing Report. We will have giveaways to include a limited amount of PENN combos, rods, and reels as well as Savage and Berkley baits! Hope to see you then! Tight Lines

Paddle N’ Go Spring Kayak Sale & Demo Day – Try Before You Buy!

March 26, 2025

Are you ready to hit the water this spring? Whether you’re new to paddling or looking to upgrade your kayak, our Paddle N’ Go Spring Kayak Sale and Demo Day is the perfect opportunity to find your perfect match!

Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Time: 9 AM – 1 PM
Location: Ken Thompson Park, 1700 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota

Why Attend Our Kayak Demo Day?

Choosing the right kayak is an important decision, and there’s no better way to make sure you love your new ride than by trying it on the water first! At our demo day, you can test a wide variety of kayaks, including top brands like Hobie, Hurricane, Wilderness Systems, Perception, and Eddyline.

What to Expect

Try Before You Buy – Test different kayaks to find the perfect fit.
Top Kayak Brands– Hobie, Hurricane, Wilderness Systems, Perception, Eddyline, Bonafide & Native.
Expert Guidance – Our experienced staff and industry reps will be on-site to answer all your questions.
Paddle Selection Assistance – The right paddle can make all the difference! Try different lengths and styles to find the best match for your comfort and performance.
Beginner-Friendly Event – New to paddling? No worries! Our team is here to help guide you through the experience.

Important Event Information

Weather Notice: In the case of poor weather, the event will be rescheduled. Stay updated by signing up for email notifications on our website or by calling 941-922-9671 for updates Friday evening before 6:00 PM or Saturday morning after 8:00 AM.

Don’t miss this chance to get on the water and experience different kayaks before you buy! We hope to see you at Ken Thompson Park on March 29 for an exciting day of paddling, learning, and fun. Mark your calendar, bring your friends, and get ready to paddle, pedal, and glide your way to your next great adventure!

Fishing Report!! Monday March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

Fishing has been fantastic these past few weeks both inshore and offshore. With some inconsistent weather still keeping people from getting too far offshore, the reports have been pretty steady. Nearshore fishing the past couple weeks has produced some nice red grouper in about 100-120′, mangrove snapper and yellowtails have been reported consistently in roughly those same depths as well as further inshore in about 40-50′. Cobia have been mentioned primarily being found on nearshore structure as well as a few in the bay this week! There are still quite a few tripletail around as Capt. Brian Marcey and his clients caught a giant last week! Spanish mackerel and bonita have arrived and can be found anywhere from right off the beach to roughly 7 miles out. Big sheepshead and redfish have also been holding on that nearshore structure in about 40′. Snook reports are increasing everyday. With most reports coming from midnight pass, big pass and blackburn point areas, many of the mangrove islands near those spots are holding some as well. The trout and redfish bite this week in the South bay/Vamo has been amazing. Solid reports of big trout and reds mostly being caught on live shrimp or soft plastics such as lil jons, NLBN 3″ paddletails ( great for snook also) and thumpershrimp! As always, stop in and see us with any questions!

Tight Lines!!

****FREE SEMINAR***** TARPON FISHING W/ CAPT. BILLY ALSTROM–THURSDAY APRIL 3RD 5:30-6:30PM @ ECONOMY TACKLE

NO RESERVATION NEEDED. Please call the shop with any questions, see you then!!

Eddyline, Bonafide & Native Kayaks- Now at Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports

March 1, 2025

We are excited to announce that Dolphin Paddlesport has added new brands to its inventory! We’re thrilled to introduce the ultralite kayak brand, Eddyline, along with two exceptional fishing kayak brands, Native and Bonafide. Follow the links to discover more about each brand.

With 32 years of experience in the kayak industry, we continuously strive to stay aligned with the ever-evolving world of paddlesport. Our offerings now include paddle, pedal, and power capabilities, featuring electric motors from Bixpy and Newport.

Check out our selection of boats through our online store. Local delivery available upon request and we offer bi-weekly demos. Call 941-922-9671 for more detials!

Woman paddling an Eddyline Caribbean 12FS Sit-on-Top Kayak

Fishing Report-Friday February 28, 2025

February 28, 2025

Signs of spring are near!! Despite some inconsistent weather these past few weeks, things are starting to shape up nicely both offshore and in. African pompanos are being caught in 100+ feet of water using both live and dead baits on big structures such as D reefs, springs and wrecks. The mangrove snapper bite has been fantastic along with sheepshead, hogfish, porgies, cobia and pompano. There are also still plenty of nice tripletail cruising the crab lines. Always check any floating debris this time of year as they can easily hold a tripletail. Bigger bait is starting to show up which is a nice sign of spring, as well as some decent snook starting to move out. Inshore trout and redfish bite has been phenominal with a lot of overslot trout being reported this week specifically. Redfish reports from the north and south bay have been nonstop with anglers catching them on soft plastics as well as live bait. Now is the time to book if you are interested in tarpon charters for this spring/summer. They’ll be here before we know it!! Let us know if you are interested and we can help get you in touch with a guide.

Tight Lines!!!

Fishing Report-Friday January 30, 2026

January 30, 2026

Well, this is it! Wintertime fishing at its finest. These past couple weeks we have seen a bit of inconsistent weather and high winds. This makes it tough to get offshore, but if you have the boat it can still be productive. Red grouper are being caught in about 100′. Gag grouper being caught and released in about 40-50′. Hogfish bite has been great on nearshore ledges in about 40′. Cobia have been scattered on nearshore structure and smaller fish being caught in the bay this week. Mangrove snapper have been reported in 50′ as well as some keepers caught in Phillippi Creek. Mangroves seem to be almost always available inshore and off. One of the best eating fish in my opinion. There have also been some decent snook on nearshore structure, the water is warmer the deeper you go. They are down there escaping the cold. A few mentions of tripletail this week as well. Typically the larger fish will surface after a front. Inshore, its a sheepshead and pompano kind of week!! Sheepshead can be found on nearshore structure, inshore structure ( docks, rocks and oyster beds.) Pompano are still going strong off of the beach, big pass and inshore channels. Live shrimp or ‘Silly Willy” jigs have been working great. There are schools of massive jack crevalle in Phillippi Creek this week along with those keeper mangs. We have also seen some very consistant reports of redfish in the bay and even a couple smaller snook! This time of year I like to use a lot of artificials. Work them slow. Mirro-lure Lil Jons in golden brean, new penny, and watermellon red are great colors. The redfish and trout love them! As always, stop in and see us with any questions or if you need any recommendations!

Tight Lines

1 Day Flash Kayak Sale & Kayak Seminar 12.13.2025

December 3, 2025

Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports will have both a sale and seminar on December 13th, 2025.

Flash Sale:10% Off Lightweight Kayaks, Hurricane & Eddyline

The sale will last for ONE day only and apply to the well known lightweight kayaks- Hurricane and Eddyline. Only boats that are in stock, will have a sale price. We will be open from 8am to 6pm that Saturday. You cannot reserve, put a hold on, or layaway any Hurricane or Eddyline kayak prior to the sale to get the future discounted price. First come, first serve and kayaks must be paid in full. We have a fair amount of Hurricane kayaks in stock, including kayaks in their new mint and coral colors. We have a very limited stock of Eddyline kayaks. Need a local delivery? We provide that as well from Anna Maria to Englewood. Delivery fees apply and delivery will need to be scheduled for future date/time. . Signup for our newsletter to stay informed.

Kayak Paddling Seminar:

Our kayak seminar will be taught by Dick Pfaff. Dick is a professional certified instructor/tour guide, with over 30 years of paddling experience. He will go over types of kayaks, paddles and PFD’s to help you make the right decision for purchase or rent. He will also spend some extra time on lightweight kayaks. If you plan to attend this seminar, please give us a call and reserve your spot. The seminar must have minimum of 6 guests. Seminar will be held at the Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports’ shop.

We look forward to seeing you at the shop!

Growth on the Brink:Development Pressures Near Sarasota and Tampa Bay

February 5, 2026

Over the years, Sarasota has experienced significant change. Many debates have arisen over its growth—from taller high-rises in downtown Sarasota to the size and scale of hotels permitted on Siesta Key. It raises an important question: when does growth become too much?

Now, a new development pre-liminary proposal has surfaced. While it is not directly within Sarasota, it hits close to home. The proposal involves a cruise port for Knott-Cowen

Cruise near Rattlesnake Key, the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, and the Tampa Bay watershed—areas known for their natural beauty, ecological importance, and abundance of wildlife.

This proposed port could have serious environmental, social, and economic impacts. From potential damage to sensitive marine ecosystems to increased pollution and strain on surrounding communities, the consequences deserve careful consideration and public discussion.

Lush sea grass beds of Terra Ceia Tampa Bay

A petition opposing the proposed port has been created on both Change.org and the Sun Coast Waterkeeper’s webpage. You can follow the link below to learn more about the project and add your voice by signing the petition.

**Pictures provided by David Robinson of Sarasota.