Years ago, kayaking and whitewater were synonymous. If you were a kayaker in the past, you were used to encountering dangers and hazards regularly as part of the sport.
Though whitewater kayaking remains common in some areas, the sport has expanded to become more than moving through rapids, avoiding rocks, and flipping the kayak upright. Kayaking is a leisurely way to tour the country’s waterways and see the sights and sounds of the great outdoors.
Kayaking is becoming a popular mode of transportation for camping, fishing, and hunting. Kayak fishing is an affordable way to explore and fish without having to spend a lot of money on a fancy boat.
No matter what you use your kayak for, all the pursuits have one thing in common: they’re all fun! Kayaking is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from all walks of life, and of all body types.
Picking the right kayak can make the experience more enjoyable.
People of all shapes and sizes can enjoy kayaking, even though some people may be afraid to try it. Even if you don’t fit the “ideal” body type for kayaking, you can still enjoy the activity.
You may be concerned about your taller center of gravity, the amount of legroom you need, your seating requirements, the weight limit of the kayak, or getting in and out of the kayak.
There are many kayaks on the market designed for heavy and tall people. To find the right boat options, you just need to look around a bit.
How to Choose the Best Fishing Kayaks for Big Guys and Gals
You will find a buyer’s guide below to help you choose the right fishing kayak, with a focus on features that are important to larger people.
Size
When discussing catering to larger people in an article, it is logical to begin with discussing the size of the kayak itself.
For this article, I tried to include fishing kayaks that are around 13-14 feet long, instead of the more common 10-12 feet, to give you more choices.
A general guideline is that longer kayaks will go straighter and faster, while shorter ones are more maneuverable.
Kayaks come in a variety of sizes, with larger kayaks providing more space on board for both the kayaker and their gear. Kayaks that are longer are more comfortable for people who are taller and need more space for their legs.
Weight Capacity
Larger paddlers may be worried about their weight when on the water, so it is important to choose a kayak that meets their needs.
It is important that you do not exceed the maximum weight limit for your kayak. It is better to err on the side of caution and not come close to the weight limit.
Kayaks are designed to sit lower in the water, so it’s not a good idea to overload them with cargo.
Make sure to account for your total weight, as well as the weight of your gear, tackle, and any fish you might catch.
If you’re looking at a kayak’s weight capacity, be aware that there might be other factors that come into play that you’re not considering, which could cause you to end up taking on more water than you’re comfortable with.
The kayaks that are reviewed have a weight capacity of 500 lbs. or more. Some kayaks have a weight capacity of 450 lbs. which should be suitable for most kayak anglers.
Stability
How steady a kayak is when fishing is extremely important. The stability of a kayak is a key factor in any kind of kayaking.
Fishing kayaks are designed to offer excellent primary stability. The boat is sturdy and secure when you first get in, and when you’re sailing in calm waters.
As was mentioned earlier, the wider the kayak is, the more stable it will feel. Kayaks with flat hulls are better for fishing.
If your kayak was less stable, you would not be able to enjoy standing up and casting your reel. The boat would rock back and forth, and would not be as steady.
This is especially important for larger people, who may find it more difficult to get in and out of the kayak. Entering and exiting the kayak can be the most challenging and nerve-wracking part of the experience.
If you’re interested in learning more about what makes kayaks stable and the different types of kayak stability, be sure to check out the video below.
Cockpit and Seating
The way a kayak is designed to be sat in and the cockpit area are some of the most important aspects of the kayak.
Even if a kayak has the newest and best design and materials, it does not matter if the person using it is not comfortable.
This is especially true for larger paddlers, who need more room for nonrestrictive movement and to stretch out to avoid tension, cramping, and general discomfort.
When choosing the best fishing kayak for larger people, pay attention to the cockpit set up and seating design.
Find a spacious design with a comfortable, adjustable seat and good lumbar support. Moving the seats forward or backwards in respect to the foot braces or pedal system can be quite useful.
While the weight capacity might be the best for a heavy person, the seating comfort is not as good.
Hardshells with lawn-chair style seating are better than other types of kayaks.
Number of Occupants
If you want to paddle with a friend, a tandem kayak is perfect. But they’re also great if you’re a large paddler and want to go solo.
Even though tandem kayaks are designed for two people, many kayak anglers prefer to use them alone because of the extra space and weight capacity.
Although tandem kayaks have the potential to be more difficult to paddle and not offer the same level of performance as solo kayaks, you should still take into account if you would prefer to have one or not.
Even though they are small, these vehicles have enough space to seat another person and/or bring along a pet dog on the trip.
Storage Options
Bigger guy – more gear, right? As a larger person, you will obviously bring more things with you – bigger clothes, more food, more beer, etc.
This means you will need a larger storage space.
Another advantage of tandem kayaks is that if you are not paddling with a partner, you have a lot of extra storage space.
It doesn’t matter which type of kayak you get, make sure it has a large tank well at the bow and stern, watertight storage hatches, and bungee webbing.
RECREATIONAL KAYAKS FOR BIG GUYS AND GALS
If you want a kayak that will get you out of the house and onto the water, then you should look for one that is simple to use. Or that perfect boat to stow away on top of the vehicle or trailer for a fun weekend at the cabin or a regional or state park or nature preserve?
Would you like to paddle through some gentle white-water rapids in a local stream or river? Old Town has you covered—even if you’re plus-sized! The Loon 126 and Vapor 12xt fit this description perfectly.
Loon 126
Old Town changed the way people saw recreational kayaks when they launched the Loon Series 20 years ago. This shift allowed people to begin enjoying kayaking as a pastime, rather than just a method of transportation.
Even today, people of all shapes, sizes, and ages continue to choose the Old Town Loon Series kayaks for their paddling adventures. The Loon 126 kayak can hold up to 450 pounds, has a comfortable ACS2 seat, and plenty of legroom, making it a great choice for larger people.
The Loon 126 has a work deck that can be removed, providing space for customization, cameras, gear, and water. There is also dry storage, and a USB port to keep your gadgets charged, even after being on the water for a long time.
Vapor 12xt
The Vapor 12XT is a great option for larger paddlers who want a roomy cockpit and added volume. This kayak is extremely stable and can carry up to 375 pounds, making it ideal for carrying a lot of gear.
This kayak is a good choice for bird watchers, anglers, sportsmen, and people who enjoy recreational paddling, because it is comfortable and has a waterproof storage area.
The Vapor 12xt kayak has a large cockpit opening, making it easy to get in and out of. There is also plenty of space for you and your gear.
FISHING KAYAKS FOR BIG GUYS AND GALS
The kayak fishing scene has been booming in recent years. More and more anglers are finding that kayaks are a great way to explore a variety of waters, including smaller lakes and rivers that can be hard to reach, as well as larger reservoirs, lakes, and rivers.
There’s no place that the right fishing kayak can’t explore, including salt water, both inshore and offshore.
Old Town kayaks are designed to accommodate different body types, including larger individuals, in terms of weight, height, and leg length. Even though Old Town has a lot of kayaks that are good for fishing, they have even more that are good for fishing with a lot of gear.
The Sportsman AutoPilot 136 is especially good because it has a Minn Kiota motor.
Loon 126 Angler
The Old Town Loon 126 Angler features a new sleek hull design, which is both zippy and forgiving. The Loon 126 Angler kayak was designed to be the most comfortable sit-inside angling kayak on the water, with extra width and volume for stability, and the ACS2 seat for comfort.
The boat also has flush-mount rod holders and an anchor system. The work deck on the boat has a USB port and built-in storage.
Sportsman PDL 120
Old Town makes kayaks for every type of fisherman, from those who want to paddle around in a sit-on-top kayak to those who want to use GPS-enabled trolling motors. Anglers have been waiting for a fishing kayak like the Sportsman PDL 120.
It is easy to maneuver and transport and provides a comfortable, hands-free performance. It is 12 feet long and 36 inches wide, making it great for fishing kayak anglers. The Sportsman PDL 120 is a stable and reliable kayak that can handle any water conditions.
It is also designed for stand-up fishing, so you can fish without having to hold the kayak steady. This kayak has the award-winning PDL Drive which makes it easy to use and very reliable. It also comes with a rod and tackle management system which makes it perfect for experienced kayak anglers.
Sportsman Bigwater 132: A Pleasure to Paddle—Even with Loads of Gear
The Sportsman Bigwater 132 can hold up to 450 pounds! The Sportsman kayak line’s biggest paddle kayak is 13’2″ long and 34″ wide. The Element Seating is popular among kayakers for its comfort, ventilation, and built-in tackle storage, as well as its generous adjustable seat height and leg length.
The Bigwater 132 also has several features, such as three built-in flush mount rod holders, numerous accessory plates, and an optional rudder system.
Summary
There is a lot of diversity in the world, just like there are many different types and sizes of clothing. We need kayaks that are different sizes as well, because not every person is the same size.
This article is meant to help those who are looking for the best fishing kayaks for people who are larger in size.
Please let me know which model of kayak you have chosen and why. If you would like to share your experience with the other members of the community, that would be great, especially if you are a larger kayak angler.
Have a great time kayaking and stay beautiful, big, and bold!
