Type of Fishing

What type of fishing will you be doing?

·        Shallow Water Flats Fishing – Stealth is a big factor in shallow water fishing. Wave slap or any unnatural noises are a big disadvantage. If you are sight fishing, an ability to stand up in your kayak creates a big advantage because you can see fish easily.

·        Big Open Water or Ocean – A self-bailing sit on top would be the choice.

·        Rivers and tight places – A shorter, more maneuverable kayak would be the choice.

·        All kayaks should be able to be easily accessorized for fishing.

Boat Shape

Longer Lengths Help You Get There Faster

  When choosing your fishing kayak, there are many factors to take into consideration. Identify what fish species you will target, and how far you will most likely have to paddle to get to the location where you plan to fish.  The waterline length of the kayak could be a determining factor

 The waterline length influences the speed of the kayak.  Simply stated - with a properly designed hull, the longer the waterline, the faster your kayak should go.  With all other aspects being equal, a 16-foot kayak will be faster than a 12-foot kayak.  A longer kayak also tends to track, or stay on course, better.  If you have to paddle long distances to your fishing locations, you will be better off with a longer kayak.

Short Length Makes for Ease, All the Way Around

 If you transport your kayak by vehicle or on a larger boat to the proximity that you plan to fish and will not have to paddle very far, a shorter, wider kayak will better suit your needs. A shorter kayak (10 or 12-feet in length) is easier to manage when loading or unloading on your vehicle or your powerboat.  It is also more easily portaged, more maneuverable when you’re fighting a fish, fishing in the mangroves, among obstructions, narrow winding creeks, and stretches of whitewater.

Boat Width

A wider kayak is simply easier to use when you’re fishing. A wider kayak of the same length will be more stable. Width gives you a more stable platform to work from when casting or fighting a fish, and most often gives you better access to your gear and tackle because you can move around more easily.  Some designs will even allow you to stand up and pole, giving you a better vantage point to sight fish in shallow water.  A wide boat has a greater area of wetted surface creating more friction on the water and thus more drag: it will be slower.

On the other hand, a narrow beam and longer waterline that can make a kayak faster may also reduce initial stability (how wobbly you feel or not, when you’re just sitting in it without moving) and maneuverability, so you have to give up one advantage to achieve another. If you like narrow beam boats, look for one with good secondary stability: this is felt when you lean to the side a bit and the boat feels like someone’s holding it from tipping over. This fine line makes a difference in how confident you feel or not, and illustrates why it is so important to choose a properly designed kayak.

Color

Color can be an important decision depending on the area that you are fishing and the species.  Color can be a safety issue. If you are paddling in an area with high-speed powerboat traffic or areas where you need to be visible you should have a brightly colored kayak (mango or yellow). If you are paddling in backcountry shallow water areas you might prefer to blend into your surroundings with a more earth tone color such as khaki or Green.

Sit Inside vs. Sit on Top

Another decision that you will have to make is the choice of a (sit on top) kayak or a (sit inside) kayak. The major difference in the two is very simple.  In a sit inside kayak, you actually do sit inside the cockpit of the kayak with your legs under the deck.  You actually sit on the deck of a sit on top kayak with your legs and body exposed.

A sit inside kayak offers more protection from the elements. One designed for fishing is usually shorter and wider, making it more stable and maneuverable than traditional touring kayaks.  It keeps you and your gear dry and protected from the elements. In a sit inside kayak where your seat is low, your center of gravity is lower than in a canoe, so you feel very stable. A sit inside kayak can be fitted with a spray skirt to keep the water out and keep you completely dry and warm. Recreational models are designed with a large cockpit opening to give you ample room to move, enter or exit.  If the boat fills with water, you will have to pump or bail it out:  if you are near shore, you can get out, turn the kayak over and empty it.

A sit on top kayak has a self-bailing cockpit with scupper drain holes: if you take on water, it drains automatically. This is a huge benefit if you are launching through the surf or paddling in rough water. Another nice benefit of the self- bailing feature is the fact that rainwater does not accumulate.  Sit on top kayaks are very easy for getting in and out, and moving around while on board. If you decide to get out and wade you can do so easier than a sit inside kayak, even when wearing waders. They allow easy access to your gear or tackle while afloat.  You can sit with your legs hanging over the side, and in some models fish side saddle. You can even stand up and pole select models with a push pole. If you are sight fishing in shallow water, your ability to stand up in your kayak creates a big advantage for you.

When you’re choosing a kayak for fishing, remember that the biggest advantages of fishing from a kayak are stealth and being able to blend in with your surroundings. To be accepted by fish, birds and other wildlife as non-obtrusive, it is important to have a kayak that is quiet with no hull slap or anything that looks, feels or sounds unnatural. After a day on the water, try to leave things as you found them - hopefully undisturbed.