Fish4fun Loc: Clinton, NJ & Venice, FL

I’m a few years behind you at 76 and I’m kayak fishing just fine. Kayaks come in all styles and weights and sizes. See if you can find a kayak store near you who let’s you try them out. Look at the weight to see what you can safely lift and carry and how easy it is to get into and out of the kayak. I find the sit on top models easiest to get in and out of.

OldBassGuy Loc: Temecula, CA

I am 76 also, and three years ago I got what my wife called my last boat. I asked the man above to give me five good years. I know in my heart when that time comes, I am going to ask for another five. Most of us in the 75+ range have a little voice in our head that tells us when it is time to give something up. Let's face it, our bodies just can't take it any more. I still golf, play pickle ball, hike and pretty much do what I please. The good lord has been really good to me and I am thankful for every day.

Maximo Loc: Jupiter, Fl

JerryT, around my area kayaks and such are available for rent. Look for a place to try out new boats, especially as spring brings out the boat dealers. They’ll let you try out their gear on the local lakes, rivers, etc.

ArchMouser Loc: Bowie MD

Today is my 85th birthday and I'm fishing every day I can from the bank or from my boat. As it has been mentioned by others, I did not go for the kayak because of the sitting position and my legs. However, that is something that is up to the individual to decide. Also, the possibility of flipping bothers me. I wanted something a little wider. I ordered a 10' Port A Bote (aka Fold A Boat). It's like a V-hull row boat. Please look it up and watch the video. It's 10' long, about4' wide and about 16" deep. I carry it folded up on the top of my minivan. My neighbor's laugh and say -"There goes the old man and his surf board". But they can't wait to go with me. I have 2 - 55amp trolling motors for it and I use both. I also have a 3.5 gas engine and use it with 1 troll. I use it in lakes, rivers and coves off of the Chesapeake Bay. It float in about 4" of water. It's heavier than a kayak, but I can still pick it up and load by myself. Much easier with two and, at this age, I really don't go without a buddy. This is my second Fold A Boat. The first lasted about 14 years before developed a small leak. I have had this one about five. With the improvements they have made, I doubt if I will out live it, but going to try. Also, take a good look at the Sea Eagle inflatables, another good company.
This is Arch from Bowie Maryland

john1470 Loc: Sandy Hook, CT

Me thinks it’s based on safety - like: mobility issues, sight issues, or just common sense issues. Have fun, be safe and do not be a bother to ur family or friends.

fast_randy Loc: Blackfoot, Idaho

Happy birthday Arch. Wow, I'll turn 68 this year, and you guy's give me the goal to keep going for 20 more years. Thank you!

mitzy123

mitzy123

I am 87 and I still load and unload my boat by myn self

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Happy birthday Arch. Hope Im in your shape when I reach your age.

MtFlyTyer74 Loc: NW Montana

Jerry,

You've received some sound advice from one and all. I'm 75 and fly fish from a Wilderness Systems "Pamlico", it's a sit in, not a sit on top, and weighs around 60 lbs. I can load and unload it by myself, and carrying it to launch isn't too bad unless it's a long way -- then I grab the bow rope, and drag it. Getting in it and sitting for a few hours doesn't bother me, but getting out can be a chore...and an interesting balancing act at times. Over the years I've learned that "Youth is a feeling, not an age" and spending time in my kayak is still a good "feeling". Hope you're able to find, and keep that "feeling" too...for a long time to come.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Hey Arch, happy birthday. Hope you can do whatever it is you want to do today. Have a good one no matter what.

DozerDave Loc: Port Orchard Wa.

How about getting back into it in deep water if you capsized...🐟on

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Fortunately that's never happened to me. However, it is something to consider. If you aren't able to get back on your yak after a deep water capsize, I would think twice bout doin too much kayaking.
I'm still able to get back in my Bass Tracker in deep water. However, I would like to get the ladder I got for it fixed up so I would be able to use it.
During the summer heat, I just can't stand to be under the sun all day anymore. I just get way overheated. When that happens, it swimming time. I take everything out of my pockets and dive in. Swim around for 20 to 30 min then get out and start fishin again.

Fish4fun Loc: Clinton, NJ & Venice, FL

I haven’t had to try it but I think a sit on top would easier to get into than a sit in model. There are some videos on line that show how to do it. My sit on kayak is quite stable, more so than my sit in one but I wear a life vest just in case. A strap to hang onto your paddle is a good idea too.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

You have to live until you die, or you are not really living at all. If you can do it, do it. Try a rental and use common sense about your ability when you try it. I am 72. Sold my Harley a few years back as neck injury caused my arms to go to sleep when in the same position for a while. I could not do it. Wind surfing and kayaking on the other hand, I can do. I will continue to live until I can't. As for boating, spent the money on trailer guides. 4 is better than two. If you can drive the boat, you can trailer it. Getting in and out is a different story. A set of steps on the trailer should extend your "can do it" several years. Life is short enough. Don't shorten it if you don't have to.