Now that kayak fishing season is here, more people are interested in it than ever before.
If you’re thinking of joining them, there are many factors to consider when choosing a kayak, such as cost, whether you want a pedal or paddle kayak, and what other fishing gear you’ll need.
Rules for Choosing the Right Fishing Kayak
In recent years, more fishermen have started using kayaks instead of powerboats. The main reasons for this are that they are cheaper to buy and maintain, they are easier to transport and launch, and they can be used in shallower water.
If you are thinking of buying a kayak this year, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Which Fishing Kayak is Right for You?
The best fishing kayak for your needs depends on where and how you plan to do most of your paddling and fishing. Before you decide on purchasing a kayak for fishing, take stock of where and how you plan to do most of your paddling and fishing.
Identify your needs:
Will you be fishing in freshwater ponds for largemouth bass? Navigating streams and rivers to catch smallmouth bass and trout? Poking around saltwater harbors, estuaries, and flats for striped bass and bluefish?
Or do you plan to venture out into the open ocean and launch through surf? Also, will this kayak be strictly a fishing vessel, or do you plan to use it for relaxation and recreation with your family?
After determining what you want from a fishing kayak, narrow your choices down to a few that fit your criteria. Then, try them all out! Always test paddle a kayak before making a purchase.
Before you buy a fishing kayak, it is helpful to understand some important characteristics of kayaks. Most fishing kayaks can be used for a variety of activities, but no one kayak excels at every activity.
You need to decide what features are “must-haves” and which ones you can compromise on. Once you understand your options, you can choose the right kayak for your intended purposes.
Which Fishing Kayak is Right for You?
When choosing the best fishing kayak, there is no one-size-fits-all option. You need to consider where and how you plan to use the kayak before making a purchase. identifying your needs will help you choose the right kayak for your purposes.
For example, if you plan to use the kayak in saltwater for fishing, you will need a different kayak than if you plan to use it primarily for recreation.
Consider what you want from a fishing kayak, then select a few that look like they fit your criteria. Try them all out! Always demo a kayak before you purchase it!
There are many things to consider before buying a fishing kayak, as they vary in what they are good for. It is helpful to understand some of the important characteristics of kayaks before evaluating the fishing kayaks at your local paddlesport shop or marina.
Choosing a kayak, like choosing a boat or a car, means mulling over a long list of specifications and deciding what features are “must-haves” and which ones are compromises.
What Kind of Kayak is Best for Fishing?
There are many kayaks on the market that are designed for fishing. Some kayaks are powered by pedals, others by electric motors, and some by paddles.
Paddle kayaks are typically less expensive than pedal kayaks, and some anglers prefer their simplicity and light weight.
What’s the Most Stable Fishing Kayak?
In general, fishing kayaks which are wider are more stable and can support more capacity, which is often advantageous when fishing.
However, width is not the only factor that affects stability and hull design can have a big impact, so it is advised that you test a fishing kayak before purchasing.
Is a longer kayak better for fishing?
The trade-off for a longer kayak is that it is more difficult to transport to launch sites and maneuver in tight spaces.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Fishing Kayak
If you’re someone who wants to go fishing, but also wants to try something new, kayak fishing may be for you. It doesn’t matter if you want to fish in a small pond or out in the open ocean – there’s a kayak out there for you.
And with so many different models available, you’re bound to find one that fits your specific needs.
Kayak Type
There are two main types of kayaks – sit inside and sit on top. Sit inside kayaks are not a good choice for fishing as they fill up with water, are difficult to recover if they capsize and have limited space.
Sit on top kayaks are a better choice as any water that gets in quickly drains out through the holes in the bottom. They are also easy to access and have more space to add extras such as a fish finder.
If you want to fish with someone else, consider a tandem sit on top kayak which can be converted from two seats to one.
Your Body Type
If you are able, try out different kayaks at a demo day to see which one is the most comfortable. Pay attention to how much legroom there is and whether the seat can be adjusted so that you can paddle or pedal with a slight bend in your knees.
Sit in the seat for a while to see if it is comfortable, since you will be sitting in it for a long time. Ideally, the seat should be high enough that your bottom stays dry and above the water that is sure to splash into the boat.
Stability
Stability is important for fishing kayaks since you need to be able to twist and turn, and a tippy boat won’t work well for that. A V-shaped hull is also not good because it tips easily. A better option is a tunnel or flat bottom hull.
The minimum width for a fishing kayak is approximately 30 inches or 76 centimeters, but it’s better to have a broader, shorter boat than a long and skinny one.
Longer kayaks are more stable in the water but can be more difficult to transport.
Transportability
Before you buy a fishing kayak, make sure to understand how you will move it. Kayaks can either sit on top of the roof of your car, be carried in the bed of your truck, or you may need to buy a trailer.
Make sure not to compromise safety!
Your First Kayak Is Ideally a Used One
You won’t really know what works best for you, what your preferences are, and what features are helpful to you in different fishing settings until you’ve spent a season fishing from a kayak.
Many kayak dealers have used kayaks available, and there are also plenty of options on sites like Craigslist. Use the first four rules to pick the best used kayak that meets your requirements, fish from it for a season, and then decide whether you want to keep it or replace it.
Other Considerations
Are there any other factors you should take into account when purchasing a fishing kayak?
- Consider your cartop capacity and what you can carry when choosing a kayak. A heavy kayak might require a wheeled cart to move it down to the launch site.
- Consider how much storage you’ll need on board your kayak. Will you be keeping fish? Is live-bait storage important to you? Will you be doing any kayak camping? Many kayak fishermen use milk crate systems to store tackle and extra rods.
- Less expensive kayaks have molded-in seats or basic removable seating pads. More fishing kayaks are now offering adjustable “lawn chair” style seats with excellent back support. Test them out to see what you find comfortable.
- Regardless of whether you buy a paddle or pedal-driven kayak, be sure to size the paddle to account for your height, the width of the boat, and your paddle style (high or low). Your kayak dealer can help with the math associated with those three variables.
- Kayaks come in many different colors, and the good news is fish don’t care and will not be spooked. However, if you fish on water crisscrossed by fast-moving powerboats, a brightly colored kayak will keep you safer than a camouflage pattern. If this is a concern, yellow, lime, and green colors are the most visible. You can always overcome a dull-colored kayak by wearing a bright, reflective vest.
- Be sure the kayak is accessory friendly. It must have adequate space for utility tracks to attach rod holders, fish finders, cup holders, camera mounts, and all the other fun accessories that make a day of fishing more enjoyable.
Can I Stand Up and Fish From a Kayak?
Comparing different fishing kayaks? Be sure to consider how important stand-up capability is to you.
Some kayaks are extra-wide and stable, allowing anglers to stand and fish—which can be great for fly-fishing or sight-casting in shallows.
Do I Need a Fish Finder on a Kayak?
A fish finder can be helpful when fishing from a kayak, but it is not necessary. The usefulness of a fish finder depends on the type of fishing you will be doing and whether knowing the depth and detecting fish under your kayak would be helpful.
In Summary
It is important to get recommendations from friends for a trusted kayak dealer. You should use the rules as a conversation outline to discuss all the options, pick the optimum choice, and join the enthusiastic crowd of anglers heading for the water in a comfortable, safe boat!
