How to Choose a Fishing Kayak
Because kayaks are portable and easy to maneuver through the water, kayak fishing is becoming more popular each year. Kayak fishing can be done on lakes, rivers, or even the ocean, allowing you to reach places that traditional fishing boats cannot. If you’re looking to spend more time kayak fishing, our Experts walk you through how to choose a fishing kayak by helping you understand the different types of fishing kayaks and features to consider.
Finding the best kayak for fishing really comes down to where you plan on fishing and how you’re planning to transport it. These two factors influence the type of fishing kayak you’ll want to choose as well as what features to prioritize.
Types of Fishing Kayaks
There are three main types of kayaks: sit-on-top, sit-in, and inflatable. Understanding the benefits and disadvantages of each type will help you narrow down your options when shopping for a fishing kayak.
Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayaks
Most fishing kayaks are considered sit-on-top kayaks. These are ideal for anglers who want to use the kayak exclusively for fishing, plan to fish rougher waters, and have a way to easily transport it.
Benefits:
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- Stable
- More storage
- Easy to get in and out of
- High seat for a better view of the water
- Some feature a standing platform for casting
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Disadvantages:
- Heavier
- More expensive
- Less coverage from waves and wind
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Sit-in kayaks are a great choice for those who want to use the kayak for both fishing and recreational use as well as those planning on kayaking in cooler waters or temperatures.
Benefits:
- Covered storage protects gear
- Narrower and streamlined for faster speeds
- Provides better protection from the elements
Disadvantages:
- Doesn’t have a drain
- Difficult to enter and exit
- Harder to access storage
Inflatable Fishing Kayaks
Inflatable kayaks are a great choice if you’re a beginner who wants to use the kayak for both fishing and recreational use without spending as much money, and you're looking for something that’s easier to transport.
Benefits:
- Most affordable style
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Packs down small to easily transport
Disadvantages:
- Not as stable
- Slower than other kayaks
Powering Your Fishing Kayak
After figuring out which type of fishing kayak works best for you, you’ll want to consider how you’ll power your fishing kayak. Traditionally, you power your kayak by paddling, but this can drain your energy quickly and leave your arms too tired to cast. This is where pedal fishing kayaks or kayaks designed for a trolling motor are a great choice.
Pedal Fishing Kayaks
Pedal-powered fishing kayaks use your feet to propel the kayak forward much like you would your bike. Since your legs are stronger than your arms, you won’t get fatigued as quickly and you can maintain a more consistent speed. In order to steer the direction, most feature a hand control that operates the rudder. Pedal fishing kayaks weigh more and are often more expensive than paddle-powered kayaks.
Fishing Kayaks with Trolling Motors
If paddling and pedaling are not of interest to you, you’ll want to look for a fishing kayak that is compatible with a trolling motor. You’ll have to purchase your kayak trolling motor separately, but once added to your kayak, you can easily and quickly move from one fishing location to the next. It’s important to know that some kayaks can be powered by pedals and have the option to add on a trolling motor.
Fishing Kayak Features
Every angler will have a slightly different kayaking setup to meet their needs. ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN Expert, Kaleb Zimmer shares, “Customization is the name of the game in kayak fishing. As kayak fishing continues to grow in popularity, there are more and more opportunities to build your kayak the way you want it with a variety of mounts, plates, rails, and attachments.” When looking for your fishing kayak, keep in mind the following features and decide what’s a priority for you.
- Capacity: Most anglers purchase a single-person kayak, but if you plan on going out with a fishing partner regularly, consider a tandem kayak.
- Material: Material influences durability and weight. Most are made from plastic, unless you choose an inflatable kayak.
- Total Weight Capacity: Kayak fishing can require a lot of different accessories and gear, so remember to look at how much total weight the kayak can hold (rider + gear).
- Standing Deck: If you like to stand while fishing, finding a kayak with a standing deck is an important feature to allow for longer casts and more movement.
- Storage Options: Planning on spending the day out on the water? You’ll want to make sure to have plenty of storage space for your cooler, tackle box, and additional layers.
- Comfortable Seat: To maximize comfort throughout the day, look for a kayak with a padded seat featuring an adjustable backrest.
- Rod Holders: Your kayak will feature built-in rod holders, but you can always install additional rod holders if you need more.
- Space to Attach Gear Tracks: Finding a kayak with space to add on gear tracks is important. Gear tracks allow you to further customize your kayak with fish finders, tackle trays, or cup holders.
Kayak fishing is a great way to explore different fishing spots that traditional fishing boats cannot access. By identifying the type of fishing kayak that works best for your needs along with how to power your kayak and must-have features, you’ll find one that’s sure to meet your needs this season. If you have additional questions on kayak fishing, stop into your local ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN to speak with an Expert today!
