Racinroy Loc: Cookeville,Tn.

Hi guys I'm thinking seriously about buying a fishing kayak have researched alot but I would like real users input so please tell what kinda kayak you have. And what you improve on it? All answers greatly appreciated!!

YankeeThom Loc: NC

Check out Hammerhead kayaks. Used their whale shark for a few weeks. 12ft length 36" wide. Extremely stable, great maneuverability. Avail in Alabama and Florida that I see.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

PM Plumbob or Fishyaker.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Or Andy B.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Or Elefantdude.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

This used to be a fairly easy question...back in the day when there were just a handful of brands to choose from there was not too much to think about. Now the market is saturated with tons of choices, and it can be overwhelming because everybody wants to dip into your wallet!

There are "sit in" models, "sit on top" and even paddle boards to consider these days. Most dedicated fishing kayaks are designed as "sit on top" styles and will have a few different seat height adjustments as well as many important specialized features. Most of these kayak styles are heavy, especially once fully outfitted. Motorized units are nice, but not essential. Pedal driven kayaks have become very popular too...especially since the bigger and more stable they are to fish from...the harder they can be to propel by only paddling. If your kayak is more petite and lightweight, then getting around with just a paddle might be all you need.

Think about how you like to enjoy time on the water. If you have never spent any significant amount of time in a small "self propelled" watercraft, be sure that you will really like it before investing a large sum of money in your "first" kayak. If you enjoy kayak fishing, and your overall plans are to grow with the sport over a lifetime, then your "first" kayak will probably not be your "only" kayak. Thru the years you may change things as your passion and interest level grows.

Once you have keyed in a few models that interest you, I would spend some time browsing the U-Tube channel to see what folks have specifically said about them in their posts and short video stories. In order to whittle your selections down there will be many things to consider.

It appears that you are located inland, so I might suspect that you will be fishing on lakes and reservoirs that are in close proximity to you, and perhaps even a few large rivers. Think about all of the ways you plan to fish from it and tailor your brand and model choices around those concepts.

Here are some thoughts to ponder, and in no particular order of importance. This is far from a comprehensive list, but should get you started with some critical thinking.

1. Handling while alone for transport/loading and getting the craft to the waters edge.
2. Total payload capacity (you and gear) that is sufficient for safe buoyancy and stability.
3. Ability to attach some specialty gear...as simple as a rod holder or fish finder for instance.
4. Material of construction...plastics, fiberglass, kevlar, inflatable, etc.
5. Storage when not in use.
6. Don't get too concerned about cost. There are numerous models out there to choose from. Find one that you like, and make it happen.
7. Consider used equipment for a "first time" purchase, and actually try some out if possible.
8. Performance of the hull in conditions you will spend time in. Steerable rudders are great and will save you from having to make constant course corrections.
9. Get a high quality lightweight paddle if that becomes your primary means of propulsion. You will thank yourself often!
10. Try to avoid having too much gear on board. Keep it simple for starters and aim for being minimalistic until your comfort level grows.
11. Sit on top or "sit in" style of kayak. Both have great functionality but have a different feel when you are seated.
12. Consider the way you like to fish...troll, cast, jig. Do you prefer to stand or stay seated...
13. How far from your launch site do you need to travel for fishing.
14. Will you be dealing with water currents, strong winds or other physical conditions that might challenge being in a kayak?

In conclusion, be sure to treat time on the water via a kayak in the same way you would as a passenger in a boat. Always respect the water, weather and "wear" a PDF...don't just have one stashed on board.

Best of luck in your search, and please let us all know what you decided to do! There are numerous people on this Stage that spend a ton of time fishing from a kayak!

A Perception Pescador Pilot 120 pedal kayak. Gets around nice but a bugger for just paddling. Fun to fish from and very stable, both while seated or standing.


An Easy Rider brand 14' fiberglass sea kayak. Light weight (45 lbs) and easy to transport or roll on a cart if needed. Very simplistic for basic fishing. Fast and sleek to paddle.


Another Easy Rider fiberglass sea kayak in the 18' 6" model (65 lbs). Very stable and fast to paddle. You will always be seated in this type of "sit in" kayak...very hard to stand up! A blast to fish from! Cartoppable but best on a trailer.


An Old Town Autopilot 13' 6" motorized kayak. Moves on the water like dream, but awkward to paddle very far. Extremely stable and terrific to fish from. Quite heavy so a trailer is almost a "must".

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

What type you interested in paddle, peddle, or motorized. Fishyaker sums it up rather well and Andy B posted some good intel just last week.

As for me my first was a SS127 Bonafide excellent for standing in and looking for that swirl off in the distance. Measures 12'7" x 36" at the feet.

2nd one is Pro Pel great for trolling and the prop lifts right up for those really shallow areas. Only enhancement I made was raising the seat. 72 year old knees need a little help getting up sometimes. Measures 12' 9" x 32" at the feet. Able to stand in it but not as stable as the Bonafide was.

Papa D Loc: Mantweeka, Ca

You should check out this post from a couple of weeks ago...

https://www.fishingstage.com/t-76776-1.html

Papa D Loc: Mantweeka, Ca

I don't see any mention of the type of water/conditions/wind/current you intend fish.

It would be nice to know since it's probably the largest factor for determining the style of kayak that you'll want.

JackM Loc: North East Florida

I've been kayaking for about 10 years and have only 1 suggestion. ALWAYS were a PFD. I've gone in the water twice. It only takes a second to get in a bad spot.

fishbum53 Loc: Johnson City, TN 37604

Hello Racinroy, I am from NE. TN. In 2020 I purchased a Jackson HD FD Big Rig Kayak from Caney Fork Outdoors. It is 14' 2" long & 41" wide. A bit heavy, but managable! I have been making upgrades since I purchased it, lol. I put tackle storage behind my seat. I fashioned a take down canopy for it out of pvc & a tarp which comes out of the inboard rod holders behind my seat. I have tackle storage all over the place in it that is easily accessible. I have dual batteries for trolling motor (originally a 24# thrust Water Snake side mount & now a Newport 40# thrust transom mount), Hummingbird 5sd, transducer, interior lights, paddle, pedal mount & net. Here is a Pic from a while back. I have to take some new pics once I finish the Newport trolling motor install.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Where are the pics? I would like to see your rig.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Ditto

fishbum53 Loc: Johnson City, TN 37604

I m sorry guys.........