Fishing kayaks are a great way to get into those great fishing holes bigger boats can’t manage.
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Kayaks are small boats that are manually operated and available in many different styles including sea kayaks, whitewater, surf, racing and fishing kayaks. Using specially designed kayaks for fishing has become very popular. These kayaks are similar in design to the popular sit on top kayaks. They have a wide beam of 36 inches that increases lateral stability. Some also have outriggers, which also increase stability. There are even twin hull models that provide enough stability to allow paddling and fishing while standing!
Kayaks have been popular for many years as a fun and adventurous means of transportation. Today they are considered as specialized fishing equipment. Not only are these kayaks easily available, they also take up little space, are easy to handle and launch and cost very little. And a full-featured kayak for fishing can include extras like electronic fish finders, live-bait containers, fishing rod holders, hatches and catch bags.
There are many advantages of using a fishing kayak. Since the kayaker is only inches from the waterline, intimacy with the water develops that isn’t possible from a larger boat or the shore. And, because of the small size, kayaks offer ease of use and access to parts of the water and shore unavailable to fishermen in larger boats. And maybe best of all, paddling a kayak is virtually silent and will therefore not disturb sensitive fishing areas.
It does require skill to operate a fishing kayak. It’s best for beginners to learn to paddle and handle the fishing kayak in smaller lakes and harbors first. Take a class or go fishing with an experienced kayak fisherman.
Kayak Fishing Accessories
Whether you fish the ocean or a small river stream or lake, there are several accessories you will want with your fishing kayak. First, you will want a rod holder. The best might be the RAM style because the rod can be quickly inserted if you suddenly need to use your hands.
If your fishing kayak is a sit inside model, you will also want a good spray skirt. These are mostly used for sea and whitewater kayaking. But if you are fishing in an area with bigger waves or boat traffic, you may flip over and a spray skirt will keep your gear inside and keep water out of the boat.
You may also want an anchor trolley, hand trailers, rudder systems and more. Some accessories can be built or you can just order accessories online and have them delivered to your door. The best accessories are ones that help you maximize your fishing time and don’t get in the way.
It’s only been until recently that kayaks for fishing have become popular and in fact there are kayaks that are built specifically for fishing and in fact offer advantages that other fishing boats don’t have. One advantage is the ability to get an inflatable kayak. The advantages are great and will make for one very satisfied fisherman or woman.
Advantages of Inflatable Kayaks for Fishing
Inflatable kayaks are lightweight and are easily transportable. In fact you can take your inflatable kayak with you anywhere in the world. You can throw it in the trunk of your car, take it on the airplane, take it camping and road trips or use it with a larger boat where the large boat can’t go. Kayaks allow you to get into small channels where larger boats, even canoes may not be able to get to. That is a fishing advantage.
Kayaks require little care and are eco-friendly. You may be able to mount a small motor on the back of your kayak for extra mobility. And load capacity is no problem since most kayaks can hold more than you would need for a multiple days’ fishing excursion. Plus, there are many accessories you can get to make your fishing experience more comfortable, like high back seats, rod holders, extra gear bags and more. And, don’t think these are flimsy boats that can’t handle rough use because kayaks for fishing are rugged and strong enough to last many years with just a little care.
Good for Traveling and Small Spaces
If you like to travel and be out in nature, the inflatable kayak gives you the convenience of always having your boat with you. And when you aren’t using it, the inflatable kayak can be put in the carry bag and stored in a closet. If you live in an apartment or don’t have a garage, an inflatable kayak may be just the thing for your boating needs. Set up is easy, especially with an electric pump or a foot pump. And, inflatable kayaks can be a lot easier to transport by one person than a hard shell kayak.
Whether or not you get an inflatable kayak, you should be able to find a fishing kayak that meets your needs and is within your budget.
Learning How to Fish from a Kayak
Believe it or not, most people can’t just hop into a kayak and automatically be an expert paddler, It takes practice and training. The fastest way to learn how to become a proficient kayak fisherman is to find an experienced kayak fisherman and learn from him or her on actually fishing trips.
In addition to learning how to fish when you are sitting low in the water, the kayaking angler also needs to know how to safely maneuver the fishing kayak.
Follow these tips.
1) Safety First
As with any boating activity, it is very important to follow safety rules and take needed precautions before hopping into a kayak for a day of fishing. The fisherman must be aware of tides, weather conditions and other elements that will impact kayaking. Remember, when in a kayak you are more exposed to the elements than you are in a larger boat so tides and weather are especially important considerations.
2) Boat Worthiness
Your kayak needs to be in good shape and all hatches waterproof. While fishing keep the hatches closed. Make sure you carry either a bilge pump or sponge. And even when fishing in daylight, carry a deck light.
3) Steady fishing
When you settle in to fish, drop anchor to keep from drifting.
Most importantly let others know where you will be fishing and your arrival and departure time. This will let others know where to find you in an emergency.
Are Kayaks for Fishing Easily Rolled?
Many people have the image of kayaking as a single paddler out in the ocean repeatedly rolling over and reappearing above the surface again. Rolling in a kayak is a concern but needn’t be.
Any kayak can be rolled but wider and longer ones are more difficult to roll because of the increased surface on the water. When you get into a kayak you will notice that unlike other wide boats—like a rowboat for example, kayaks do roll back and forth. The farther you lean to the side, the more likely of rolling over.
But the kayak will roll back and forth. This is known as initial stability and has to do with how stable the kayak feels.
Once you roll beyond the limits of the kayak being able to return back, it will flip. This is known as secondary stability. Since kayaks for fishing are wider, this helps with secondary stability. Both width and length help with secondary stability. But width has the biggest influence on secondary stability. That is why these kayaks are wider than kayaks not used for fishing.
You should become proficient at exiting and re-entering the boat at dock side, from the shore and while out in the water (wet entry). Practice wet entry without your gear.
In summary, wide kayaks are harder to flip and longer and wider kayaks are very difficult to flip. If you practice with your kayak, and use common sense, you should be safe and have a good time.
Fishing kayaks are a great investment for the beginning and seasoned fisherman who wants a convenient and inexpensive fishing boat. Whether fishing in the ocean, lakes or rivers these kayaks will meet most fishermens’ boating requirements. And adding a small kayak motor or kayak sail the fisherman doesn’t even have to paddle to his or her favorite spot.
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