Learn About Fishing Kayaks

Often you’ll find that kayak fishing clubs have already been established in your area, kayak fishing guide services are available to take you to your target species, and kayak fishing forums are buzzing with curious folks like you, as well as seasoned veterans sharing advice.

All of these things are available to you long before you ever buy a kayak. But soon you’ll have a good idea what successful kayak anglers are using – and why. As you unearth all this information you’ll also find a lot of self-professed experts. Listen to them and learn from their experiences. This is a relatively new sport, but you’ll find that most who participate are very passionate about it. They may not offer up their “honey holes” but they aren’t shy about sharing general locations for launching, and tips about gear.

And man, do these folks take pride in their kayaks! Most fishing kayak owners consider the kayak they own to be the best on the market, and they are correct. The fishing kayaks on the market today normally are available in “angler” versions (rigged, just add water) or stock versions (you rig it). As a result, paddle casters often rig their boats to fit their individual personal needs and wants.

And, in the end, THAT is what makes the best fishing kayak.

What Are Your fishing kayaks  Goals?

Will you be fishing fresh water, salt water, farm ponds, huge lakes, slow moving rivers, offshore, warm water, or cold water, launching through the surf, or from a dock, or a tiny opening in the shoreline, or a combination of all of these ? Will you be content with taking minimal gear, or will you sometimes want to take a family camping ? Start your journey with the end in mind, and that will help narrow the list of choices.

Once you whittle your list down, certain types of fishing kayaks will begin to emerge from the crowd. One of those is yours.

Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayaks or Sit-Inside Fishing Kayak?

Most kayak anglers prefer the sit-on-top variety of kayak. This allows them to easily add accessories, and also enables them to get out and wade. However, this can be a wet ride at times. So, some choose to fish from sit-inside fishing kayaks, or “cockpit” style kayaks, which are basically a traditional sit-inside kayak with a much larger cockpit opening. The cockpit boats are great when fishing cold water, and can be a much drier ride. And, since you’re actually down inside the boat, your center of gravity is lower, and stability is often improved. But, being down inside a boat of this type makes it harder to get out should you decide to wade.

Speed vs. Stability, Length vs. Width, & Other Trade-Offs

This is battle of good and evil, so to speak. Longer kayaks are normally faster than shorter ones. Wider kayaks are normally more stable than narrower ones. Kayaks that have some “rocker” (upswept bow) do well in waves and current but not as well on flat water. Don’t blame the manufacturers. Blame the laws of physics that pertain to all things that float. Often, new paddlers realize that the boat that seemed stable in the beginning soon appears to be slow. That’s because the paddlers balance and confidence improved with experience – they’re simply getting better at the sport. It’s like learning to ride a bike. So, as you test kayaks, keep in mind that over time your abilities will improve.