Fishing Kayaks Buying Guide

Love to fish and want to access the tight spots easily? Opt for fishing kayaks, and you will be able to maneuver your ride smoothly to access these hotspots.

It's a very crucial decision to find the best fishing kayak. Even a minor mistake can lead to a significant disaster. You need to be vigilant when fishing in the water and ensure you have enough safety and security.

Safety is a primary concern and is of utmost importance in every individual's life. Because it's very hectic to browse about one product in different webpages, you shall find yourself in a dilemma a lot of times.

We are here with this guide to end your suffering and avoid the same. This guide will help you search for the excellent kayak that serves all of your purposes.

All the sections below are condensed in a simplified manner for your better understanding. Spend a little time to think it over, and then make your final decision. you will save your money and time

What are Fishing Kayaks, and why should you opt for them?

If you are an angler and often go fishing, the fishing kayaks are created specifically for you. Whether you are visiting a lake or fishing in the vast ocean, these kayaks will provide you with access to any place you would like to fish.

If you compare the traditional fishing boats to these modern kayaks, you will find that these are more comfortable to use, portable and silent.

These do not harm aquatic life, and you can easily use them even in shallow waters. Besides fishing, you can also use them for any other recreational water activities.

Benefits

By using those kayaks, you get a lot of advantages over traditional boats. Some of them are explained below:

1. Portability

These kayaks are very portable. You can easily control them and even drag them to the water. These do not require excess effort to be transported.

2. Elimination of noise

Noise is a significant factor that affects fishing. Fishes get scared due to the vibrating noise and swim away from the location. For easy fishing, you want all the fishes to swim beside your kayak.

Hence, these kayaks are very silent and work the best when you want to relax in quiet surroundings and enjoy your activity.

3. Cost reduction:

These kayaks are very affordable and do not require any power supply or gas to move.

4. Wider area access:

If you want to visit areas where only large boats can go, you should try out this fishing kayak. These give you more comprehensive access to even the most inaccessible locations.

Types of Fishing Kayaks

Kayaks, which you use for fishing, come in three different styles. These styles provide you with the liberty to choose any design which suits your purpose.

Sit-on-top kayaks

1. The sit-on-top design provides convenience in mobility.
2. They possess excellent stability. Even if you stand on these, you are less likely to fall off.
3. They have scupper holes that assist in self-bailing.
4. You get an excellent view when you sit on top. This feature helps a lot when you are searching for a location ideal for fishing.
5. They are quite heavy when compared to other styles and expose you a lot to the bad weather.

Inflatable kayaks

1. If you are traveling to faraway places, these kayaks come in handy. They occupy less space and can fit even in your backpack.
2. They are incredibly light in weight, and you can carry them effortlessly.
3. It would be best if you took precautions while you are using them because they can get punctured.
4. These kayaks are not stable enough for you to stand on them.
5. You will come across some inflatable kayaks that do not paddle effectively as the traditional ones.

Traditional sit-in kayaks

1. The most significant advantage that you get by using them is you always stay dry. Thanks to their spray skirt feature. This feature prevents the water from entering inside.
2. These do not have scupper holes, which aid in self-bailing.
3. Since you sit inside the kayak, your visibility is compromised, unlike the sit-on-top kayaks.
4. These are ideal if you are out in the water during the cold season. These keep your body warm and insulated.
5. They also have gear compartments which are covered and accessible only when you are on land.

Things to deem about while selecting appropriate Fishing Kayaks

Paddle vs. Pedal Kayaks

Paddle kayaks

1. These are lightweight and portable.
2. Accessible even in shallow waters
3. Thanks to their simplified structure, they are very cheap and straightforward to use.
4. Ideal for use in vast waters, they have sufficient storage capacity.
5. Very silent and less maintenance is required.

Pedal kayaks

1. Because these kayaks have pedals underneath them, you get more stability, and your hands remain free. These pedals help you to continue your fishing easily.
2. They have bigger cockpits, and you'll be able to stand up and cast your line.
3. A rudder which is operated by hands is used to steer the kayak.
4. They are more expensive than paddle kayaks and need more maintenance.

5. The only drawback is you can't access areas with shallow waters; otherwise, the pedals may hit the weeds and other obstacles.

Hull Design and Stability

Stability is the most important aspect one should consider while opting for fishing kayaks. If your kayak is not stable enough, you cannot stand on it firmly. That will hinder you from casting your line or reeling.

To combat this moving kayak problem, you should search for a fishing kayak that has an extensive and flat hull.

But here, a problem arises. Having a short kayak with a broad hull will make your kayak slow. A long kayak with a sleek design aids in the kayak's speed. Since speed is not a vital factor while fishing, going for a stable kayak is always recommended.

Stability ensures safety, and it should not be compromised in any way. To get both a decent speed and high stability, invest in a fishing kayak with a flat hull and a sleek design to the maximum extent possible.

That will enhance your kayak's speed and give you enhanced stability and help you in your fishing trip.

Comfort

After stability, let's come to comfort. You feel so exhausted while sitting on an ordinary wooden chair at home. Imagine your situation when you have to sit for hours in the moving vessel and wait for your catch.

Not only will you develop sores but also back pain. To make your trip comfortable, you should always search for fishing kayaks with padded seats, which are adjustable.

Look for designs that give you comfort and adequate support to your back. Padded seats feel soft and relaxing when you sit on them for long hours.

Since you have to fight with that bad guy down there, you should look for seats that can be adjusted according to your preference. Do not overlook the breathability of the seat's material. It should include mesh for air circulation and enhanced breathability.

Besides the chair, also consider the design of your kayak. Your kayak should be wider so that it offers enough room for your legs to stretch and stay comfortable.

Where do you plan to fish?

While deciding which fishing kayaks to go for, also consider the location you are visiting. As mentioned before, some kayaks are suitable for shallow waters, but others are not.

Therefore, be clear about the place you are planning to go to. You will not be visiting the same venue always; hence it is apt to search for a kayak that can be used in the majority of the sites.

Mentioned below are a few essential points on which you should have a glance at before you conclude.

1. Smaller lakes and ponds

If the water at your planned location has no current and speed doesn't matter, it is better to opt for stable kayaks that have a sit-on-top design.

2. Open water

A sit-on-top kayak with a sleek design is an excellent choice if you have to cover a long distance on your kayak to reach your spot. It moves faster, and you will reach very soon.

3. Rivers and streams

A short kayak is the best when it comes to rivers and streams. It helps in hassle-free control, and it turns in a better way.

4. Ocean

An ocean is known for its famous high tides, currents, strong winds, etc. For these areas, it is recommended to opt for kayaks that have rudder steering with pedals.

Gear Tracks

Fishing demands good quality fishing rods. But where to keep these rods? What if you carry one and it gets damaged?

Since these rods are essential tools for fishing, you cannot risk your trip by carrying only one. Also, a kayak has adequate space for you, but if you accommodate your rods there, it will be congested.

To negate this problem, fishing kayaks feature plenty of gear tracks. Having a maximum of six, these enable you to keep your high-quality fishing rods in them along with few other types of equipment.

Storage Options

It is every angler's dream to have a kayak with adequate room to store their coolers, baits, rods, and tackle boxes.

To convert all your dreams into reality, fishing kayaks have storage space for all your belongings. These include:

1. For storing your dry belongings, some enclosed hatches are present. These are situated in your kayak's bow, midship and stern.
2. Mesh pockets to store your small things like keys, mobile phones, etc.
3. Large wells to store crates of milk.
4. Bungee cords to tie your bags.
5. Storage containers to store any other additional element.

Besides this, your kayak's design contributes a lot to the storage too. If you opt for sit-on-top kayaks, you have enough space to accommodate your belongings and access it easily.

But if you are opting for sit-in kayaks, the gears cannot be accessed while you are sitting. You need to come out of the kayak to take them out.

Length and Width

The weather at the water cannot be determined beforehand. Therefore, it is always smarter to stay prepared for every moment.

As we discussed earlier, longer kayaks with a narrow body move faster than those with a short and wide body.

A longer kayak covers more distance but is not easy to control and may be difficult to handle during rough weather.

Moreover, the narrow-body compromises with the stability of the kayak. However, if you opt for short kayaks, it will be easier for you to handle it. Also, the wide-body maintains stability, and you can easily stand on it.

While longer kayaks track better, wide-body stays stable. This statement is the golden chant that is kept in mind while manufacturing the best fishing kayaks. With enhanced speed to cover vast areas, you also get improved stability to complement your fishing style.

Stability

Different levels of anglers prefer different levels of stability. There are two levels of stability. These are elaborately mentioned below. Depending on your level and the location, you can choose fishing kayaks that offer you the required stability.

Initial stability

1. Anglers who are beginners prefer initial stability.
2. For high initial stability, you need to own a kayak with a wide hull.
3. They are ideal for fishing on calm water.

Secondary stability

1. Professional anglers prefer high secondary stability.
2. A kayak having a narrow body provides higher secondary stability.
3. Kayaks providing secondary stability are faster than those with the wide hull.

Rudders

While thinking about a rudder, we assume that this part of a kayak is used to steer the boat. Well, that is right, but the assumption that it helps in steering the kayak in different directions is entirely wrong.

Rudder helps your kayak to stay in a straight path. Your kayak being lightweight tends to turn in the direction of the wind or water. The rudder helps in preventing your kayak from turning.

Fishing kayaks have a rudder that can be deployed and stored at the back. This rudder enables you to sail smoothly in the water and use it when passing fast-moving water or experiencing rough weather.

Motor drive

To move your water vessel, propellers are needed. Various kayaks have installed a motor in them. This motor works either with batteries or gas supply.

Since fishing kayaks do not make use of power or gas supply, these motors are not installed in them. However, to fill the void, the kayaks with pedals in them are the best. With you hands-free, you have to push the pedal, and your kayak moves.

The use of pedals eliminates the fear of the motor not working midway or aquatic beings getting hurt. In a very eco-friendly manner, you sail smoothly on your moving throne.

Seats

Fishing kayaks have padded seats to provide you with maximum comfort while you are fishing. They are also adjustable to make it easier for you to adjust it accordingly.

Besides, these seats have mesh to increase the breathability and absorb the sweat on your body while you are sitting.

You can also search for different styles of seats. Wider seats give you more comfort while the seats with an upright back are more helpful when you want to get a better view.

Color

The color choice of your fishing kayak will not affect your fishing activity. So, according to your personal preference, you can opt for any color that you like. These kayaks come in various colors to choose from.

You can also customize the kayak your way and use a different mix of colors to make it more attractive.

However, studies have shown that bright colors are more prominent and easier to locate in emergencies.

Cost

Cost is the topmost priority in every case, especially when you are buying a new thing. Quality, the material used are the main parameters on which the cost of the fishing kayaks depends.

Nevertheless, you should look for other features as well at an affordable cost. Also, don't be fooled by kayaks that have a higher price. It may be possible that the quality is terrible.

Rather than chasing cost, it would be highly beneficial to look for high quality and good material that increases your kayak's lifespan.

Hence, depending on your needs, opt for a fishing kayak that is affordable, durable, and suits all your requirements.

Skill Level

Your skill level contributes a lot while choosing for fishing kayaks. If you are a newbie, first train yourself efficiently on still water.

You can opt for short kayaks with a vast body. This type of kayak will give you high initial stability, and you can easily stand on it. Also, these kayaks are easy to control and move slow. The best choice of kayak would be the sit-on-top kayak.

You will get a better view and reasonable control over your vessel. After having gained enough experience, you can move to the next level.

If You have some experience in fishing, you can opt for kayaks that are longer with a narrow body.

Though you will have less control and low initial stability, you will get enhanced speed and faster mobility and higher secondary stability. Using this, you can cover more areas in very less time and reach your preferred location.

How to store your Fishing Kayak?

The way you store your kayak decides how long it will last. Since it is exposed to the harmful elements of nature for long hours, it gets damaged and corroded.

It becomes essential to care for it and store it in the right manner. Your kayak spends most of its time being stored. If you fail to maintain it properly, you will face difficulties in the middle of your trip.

You do not want to find a ripped off kayak when you grab it up from its storage place. Hence, to say hello to a fresh and new looking kayak, follow the essential steps mentioned below and be an excellent caregiver to your fishing kayak.

1. You can make use of wall mounts to store your kayak. These work great and are very easy to install. Also, wall mounts enable you to make more space in your room because your kayak will not occupy space at the ground but will be stored above.
2. Pulley systems are also available. These allow you to hand your kayak to the ceiling and leave it there. It is an excellent way because the water that is there on your kayak will drip away. This tip will keep your kayak dry and moisture-free.
3. If your kayak is a bit heavy to hang, you can use racks and place them there. It does not damage your kayak and protects it.

4. Remember, if your kayak experiences any pressure on any of its sides, it is likely to get damaged. So, make sure that your kayak stays away from damaging materials.
5. If you store your kayak outside, ensure that you cover it with a cloth covering or a tarp. Sun and moisture can damage your kayak, and it can no longer be used. Also, ensure that you keep it at a safe place so that no pests attack it.

FAQs

1. Where can I keep the caught fish in the kayak?

Fishing Kayaks can equip a cooler where you can store the caught fish by putting in a separate container.

2. Can you fly a fish while on a fishing kayak?

Yes, you can quickly fly a fish on a good-quality kayak without any fear of losing balance or the caught fish.

3. How to add a motor on a fishing kayak?

Just go through the instruction manual that comes along with the purchased motor. It will help you to find proper steps that you must follow to mount a motor on the kayak easily. You can even refer to this online video for the same.

Summing Up

Want to access the tight fishing sports smoothly, opt for fishing kayaks. Whether it is a tiny pond or a vast sea, you can enjoy the activity with these kayaks and reel in the bigger fish in a jiffy.

Here, in this guide, we have presented all the critical factors of the product in an organized way. You will find them very useful while choosing the best product. Study them carefully and invest your money in an elite kayak to enjoy the activity and catch loads of fish.