Wesley Littlefield 04.17.25
Once I first started kayak fishing, not many fishing kayaks have been accessible, however instances have modified. New kayak anglers can shortly turn into overwhelmed by the variety of fishing kayaks available on the market. Studying how to decide on a fishing kayak will scale back stress and make fishing journeys extra pleasurable.
After testing lots of of kayaks and shopping for a number of through the years, I’m gifting away the secrets and techniques and components I exploit to purchase the proper fishing kayak each time.
Understanding the Totally different Varieties of Kayaks
Not solely are there a great deal of fishing kayak fashions, however there are additionally several types of manufacturing processes, kinds, and propulsion choices. Let’s break down the commonest occurrences that will help you make an knowledgeable resolution.
Rotomolded vs. Thermoformed vs. Inflatable vs. Foldable
Most fishing kayaks you’ll need to take into account are rotomolded as a result of they’re sturdy and require much less upkeep. Rotomolded kayaks are a strong piece of plastic, so that you don’t have to fret a couple of seam coming aside.
Thermoformed kayaks are made from two items of plastic (the hull and deck or prime and backside) joined by adhesive and tape. Such a kayak is much less sturdy (extra susceptible to separating on the joint/seam) however usually extra light-weight.
I used to be very skeptical of inflatable kayaks at first. I believed they might pop the primary time I dragged them throughout a rock or stabbed them with a stick. After testing a couple of completely different fashions, I can confidently say I like my iAtak 110 as a result of it’s extra sturdy than I believed it will be, was designed for fishing, and is extra moveable than a hard-sided kayak.
A foldable kayak can be simple to move. Although they’re not particularly designed for fishing, those I’ve examined are sturdy and simple to paddle.
Sit-In Fishing Kayaks vs. Sit-On-Prime Fishing Kayaks
Fishing kayaks are most frequently categorized as sit-in or sit-on kayaks. After utilizing each, I want the sit-on-top selection for a lot of causes, however that doesn’t imply a sit-in kayak isn’t best for you.
Sit-on fishing kayaks provide anglers a greater fishing expertise as a result of many enable the angler to face and are extra snug, secure, and customizable.
Nonetheless, sit-in kayaks are cheaper, lighter, and simpler to move.
Paddle vs. Pedal vs. Energy
Whereas all kayaks are designed to be paddled to some extent, a number of have additionally been designed to put in a motor on or pedal. I began by solely paddling however discovered it irritating to fish within the wind (it’s at all times windy in Oklahoma, so I used to be usually pissed off). I then tried utilizing a triller deal with trolling motor and located it extra pleasurable, however I needed to begin carrying a battery. My dad and mom love their pedal kayaks (when fishing in our native reservoir) as a result of they provide extra management than paddling with out sacrificing fishing time.
I like to recommend testing out every choice to see what you want greatest. Some individuals can be appalled that I exploit a trolling motor on my kayak, however I don’t let different individuals’s opinions cease me from having extra enjoyable whereas fishing.
What to Look For In A Fishing Kayak
Alrighty, now let’s dive into what issues most when selecting a fishing kayak. You’ll have to find out what components are most vital to you. As an example, you is perhaps extra nervous about weight capability (security) than rigability or affordability, greater than sturdiness.
Security
Each kayak angler ought to give attention to security essentially the most. Security entails stability, weight capability, and dealing with. Kayak stability isn’t only for standing. I’ve fished out of some kayaks the place I used to be nervous about tipping, making the journey fairly depressing. Weight capability isn’t only a concern for bigger people, particularly should you plan so as to add a motor and plenty of gear.
Comfortability
One of many primary causes individuals object to kayak fishing is that their kayaking expertise was with an uncomfortable kayak. Cheaper kayaks are usually much less snug, so that you might need to compromise right here should you’re on a decent price range.
I search for a high-sitting mesh seat as a result of it permits me to stretch and bend my legs higher and sweat much less.
Sturdiness
One other draw back to cheap kayaks ($500 or much less) is their lack of sturdiness. Since I plan to fish rather a lot and use my kayak for a very long time, I bought one that ought to outlast me with minimal upkeep. You’ll drag it throughout rocks, logs, and different sharp objects, so get a kayak that may deal with it.
Transportability
This was the issue I gave the least thought to as a result of I’ve a truck and refabricated an previous boat trailer. However I’d hate to car-top my Nucanoe Limitless on each journey.
Make sure you assume extra about how you’re going to get your kayak from level A to level B than I did!
Rigability
Customizing your kayak is a part of the enjoyable, not less than for me. I take pleasure in rigging my kayak and attempting varied issues. Some kayaks are extra customizable (rigable) than others, so if you wish to make the kayak really yours, get one which you can rig to match your model of fishing.
Affordability
All of us have a price range that we should adhere to; some can afford to spend extra on higher-end kayaks and equipment than others. I at all times advocate staying inside your price range, however should you’re going to splurge, splurge on a safer, extra sturdy, and comfy kayak. I did, and I haven’t regretted it.
My Prime Fishing Kayak Model Suggestions
There are a lot of high quality fishing kayak manufacturers, however the next are those I’ve been most impressed with after testing and fishing out of a few of their fashions.
Final Forged: How one can Select a Fishing Kayak
Now that you simply’ve discovered how to decide on a fishing kayak, you’re higher geared up to check some out. If potential, check out each mannequin you’re contemplating on the water. In case you plan to primarily fish rivers, check it out on a river or creek; the identical goes for lakes and reservoirs. The kayak will carry out otherwise primarily based on the present, wind, and the water physique.
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