From River to Reef – Fishing Gear for Kenya’s Inland & Coastal Waters

Kenya’s geography offers a rich variety of fishing environments — from the inland lakes and rivers of the Rift Valley to the expansive Indian Ocean coast. Each ecosystem presents unique opportunities, species, and challenges. As a result, fishers across the country require specialized gear suited to their specific environment — whether casting in freshwater rivers, hauling in catches offshore, or managing aquaculture systems.

In this guide, we explore how fishing gear is used across Kenya’s inland and coastal waters, highlighting the tools, techniques, and equipment necessary for every scenario. You’ll also learn where to find quality, durable gear from trusted suppliers like Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd, Kenya’s leader in fishing, aquaculture, and marine products.

Fishing Across Kenya’s Diverse Water Bodies

Inland Waters

Kenya’s inland fisheries — including Lake Victoria, Lake Naivasha, Lake Turkana, and the Tana River — sustain millions of livelihoods. These freshwater bodies support both artisanal and commercial fishing, dominated by species such as tilapia, Nile perch, catfish, and omena.

Fishing gear used here must be lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to repair in the field. Typical tools include:

Gill nets
Cast nets
Longlines and handlines
Happa nets and cage systems (for aquaculture)

Coastal Waters

Along the Kenyan coast — from Lamu to Diani — fishing transitions into marine and deep-sea operations. Here, fishermen target tuna, snapper, kingfish, and marlin. Coastal fishing demands heavier-duty gear, resistant to saltwater corrosion and strong currents.

Essential coastal equipment includes:

Trawl nets and seine nets
Deep-sea fishing rods and reels
Heavy-duty ropes and anchors
Marine safety gear (life jackets, buoys, and hooks)

Fishing Gear for Inland Waters

1. Cast Nets and Gill Nets

Cast nets are ideal for shallow, calm waters like small rivers or lake edges. They are lightweight and easy to deploy. Gill nets, on the other hand, are perfect for deeper sections or large-scale catches.

Cost Range (2025):

Cast nets: KES 1,000 – 3,500
Gill nets: KES 3,000 – 10,000

Where to Buy:

2. Fishing Lines, Hooks & Sinkers

For handline fishing or angling, strong and sensitive lines are essential. Monofilament lines are affordable and easy to handle, while braided lines offer superior strength for larger fish.

Cost Range:

Hooks and lines: KES 300 – 2,500

Recommended Link:

https://shop.mft.co.ke/fishing/fishing-accessories

3. Aquaculture Nets and Happa Systems

Inland fisheries often overlap with aquaculture farms, especially in counties like Kisumu, Machakos, and Kirinyaga. Happa nets help in breeding, sorting, and growing fish in controlled environments.

Cost Range:

Happa nets: KES 5,000 – 25,000

Where to Buy:

Fishing Gear for Coastal and Marine Environments

1. Marine Nets and Trawl Systems

Coastal fishing operations use seine and trawl nets for deep-water catch. These nets require reinforced PE or nylon twine, resistant to saltwater corrosion.

Cost Range:

Seine/trawl nets: KES 15,000 – 60,000+

Recommended Links:

2. Fishing Rods, Reels & Bait Systems

For sport and professional deep-sea fishing, heavy-duty rods and reels designed for saltwater environments are essential. Stainless steel and graphite materials resist rust and provide the strength needed for large fish.

Cost Range:

Professional rods & reels: KES 10,000 – 60,000

Buy Online:

https://shop.mft.co.ke/fishing

3. Marine Ropes & Safety Equipment

Every coastal operation must prioritize safety. Ropes, life jackets, and anchors are indispensable for offshore stability and protection.

Cost Range:

Marine ropes: KES 2,000 – 8,000
Life jackets: KES 3,000 – 10,000

Shop Marine Essentials:

Comparing Inland vs Coastal Fishing Gear

Feature	Inland Fishing Gear	Coastal Fishing Gear
Material	Nylon, PE, lightweight carbon	Stainless steel, heavy-duty composites
Durability	Moderate	High (UV and salt-resistant)
Typical Use	Freshwater rivers and lakes	Marine and deep-sea fishing
Maintenance	Easier and cheaper	Requires frequent cleaning and anti-corrosion treatment
Example Gear	Cast nets, lines, happa nets	Trawl nets, marine ropes, reels

Cost Overview: Fishing Gear in Kenya (2025 Estimates)

Category	Average Cost (KES)	Notes
Cast nets	1,000 – 3,500	Ideal for small-scale freshwater fishing
Gill nets	3,000 – 10,000	Available in nylon and PE
Happa nets	5,000 – 25,000	For fish farming and sorting
Rods & reels	10,000 – 60,000	Saltwater and freshwater variants
Marine ropes	2,000 – 8,000	For boats and trawlers
Life-saving gear	3,000 – 12,000	Essential for coastal operations

How to Choose the Right Gear for Your Location

Know Your Water Type:
- Use freshwater gear for rivers and lakes, salt-resistant gear for the coast.
Choose the Right Material:
- Polyethylene or nylon for inland; stainless steel or brass for marine use.
Balance Weight and Portability:
- Inland fishers need lightweight gear for mobility; coastal users require sturdier builds.
Check UV and Corrosion Resistance:
- Salt and sunlight degrade gear quickly; opt for UV-treated and corrosion-proof materials.
Buy from Trusted Suppliers:
- Always purchase from verified dealers like Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd for warranty-backed equipment.

Aquaculture and Marine Crossover Gear

Some gear serves both aquaculture and marine applications, offering cost-effective versatility. Examples include:

Knotless netting – used in fish cages and marine barriers.
Marine ropes – useful for both anchoring cages and boats.
Fish feed dispensers – for aquaculture and offshore feeding systems.

Explore hybrid-use products at:

https://shop.mft.co.ke/aquaculture

Where to Buy Fishing Gear Across Kenya

Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd is Kenya’s most trusted destination for fishing, aquaculture, and marine equipment. With a diverse product range, technical expertise, and reliable delivery, Maimun supports both professional and recreational users.

Shop Online: www.shop.mft.co.ke

Store Location:
Darosa Plaza, Karen Rd, Nairobi

Contact: 0706 903465
Hours: Mon–Fri: 08:30 – 17:00 | Sat: 09:00 – 14:00

Delivery:
Same-day delivery within Nairobi and next-day delivery to Nakuru, Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, Thika, Machakos, Nyeri, and Malindi.

The Future of Fishing Gear in Kenya (2025–2030)

Kenya’s fishing industry is shifting toward sustainability and innovation. The next five years will see growth in:

Eco-friendly netting materials (biodegradable or recyclable).
Smart fishing devices (sonar, GPS, data tracking).
Solar-powered aquaculture systems.
Multi-environment gear usable in both inland and marine settings.

By investing early in high-quality gear from reliable suppliers like Maimun, fishers can future-proof their operations for efficiency and compliance with emerging environmental standards.

Conclusion

From river to reef, Kenya’s waters demand reliable, purpose-built fishing gear. Whether casting in freshwater or trolling in the ocean, investing in the right tools ensures safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd provides the perfect balance of quality, affordability, and expert support — helping every angler, farmer, and marine operator work smarter and fish responsibly.

Visit www.shop.mft.co.ke to explore fishing gear, netting, aquaculture tools, and marine hardware — all designed for Kenya’s unique inland and coastal conditions.