ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

There's a public dock where I fish and a cove area that is set aside for kayakers to launch. I was surprised at the number of people that fish from kayak. There appears to be a variety of setups with elevated seats, pole holders, etc.

For you guys that kayak fish, can you tell me about your kayak, how well it works for fishing, any problems or advantages to fishing from a kayak versus a boat?

Thanks.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

I had a paddle Bonafide and will be looking at a peddle power. Big advantage to be fishing while moving instead of paddeling.

Biggest two advantages is getting where the boats can't go and stealth. Got to sneak up on them and no motor noise.

ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

Thanks Bob. Got a pic of the current one?

Fish Dancer Loc: Guntersville, Alabama

My Jackson Cruise 12 had a two position seat. Low for getting to where you wanted to go and high for fishing. Also had a strap attached to the front area between the foot rest that came back to the seat that you could use to pull yourself up to a standing position. Two Scotty rod holders that went in different areas on the yak. I’d use them for trolling for trout and kokanee. Anchor trolley for holding position. Battery powered fish finder. Taco clip on the side for holding the paddle but I also kept it on a leash so I could drop it when I got a hook up. Kayak dolly with large tires for sandy beach. Quick release on the tires so it would break down and fit in the hatch.
I sure do miss that boat. 🥲

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Haven't purchased a new one yet. Trust me when i do it will be on here.

ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

Sounds nice. Did those fish come with it or did you have to work for them?

Fish Dancer Loc: Guntersville, Alabama

I don’t think fishing and work belong in the same sentence. Lol.

ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

True. My slip up.

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

I have an Old Town Loon that I use. It is a sit in model that I added a rod holder to. I also have a Pelican ride-on model for fishing and duck hunting and bought the Wife a small ride-in fishing model of her own that occasionally goes duck hunting, too. With the new hip, I don’t dream about standing to fish, so I am okay with what I have for now. There may be a pedal drive in my future for more options, though.

Elefantdude Loc: Oxnard, CA

Hi GHaynes1!
Kayak fishing has definitely taken off in popularity since I started abut 15 years ago. I first started in 2005 with an Ocean Kayak brand - Model - Scrambler XT. I fished for trout up in the high country of Arizona. I loved to troll for trout and when I saw an advertisement for the Hobie Kayaks with Mirage Drive (Peddle Drive), I wanted one!!! In 2009 after I received my tax returns, I was able to purchase my first of 3 Hobie Revolutions! Hands free fishing from a kayak is the way to go, IMO. Your rod is in your hand more, for more hook-ups when they hit.
The reason I went with the Hobie Revolution as opposed to the Outback and the Pro Angler is because of better portability. They are lighter, thinner and they glide through the water more quieter and stealthier ;-) They are the Maserati's of fishing kayaks. That is what one of my customers told me after trying all 3 Hobie Models. I agreed with him.
I used to be on the National Hobie Fishing Team and the newer Hobies are a bit on the expensive side, but they are definitely worth the money you pay for them.
The Revolutions are good lake fishing. They have various lengths, from 11' up to 16'. If you plan to fish rivers, stay with the shorter models for better maneuverability.

Try before you buy if you are in the market for them. There are other brands out there that have nice features. I like to promote Hobies because I have a lot of experience on them. But from what hear from other's that own different brands, they are nice as well.
Do some research and narrow down the ones you like, according to features that would accommodate your style of fishing. Give them a try too if you can. :-) Happy Hunting!

Jeep1980 Loc: Bellingham, Wa.

In 2014 I ordered my first Kayak that would work for me... lol.. I own a Explorer 420 inflatable by SeaEagle out of New Jersey.. It originally came with paddles, pump, two seats, and carry bag.. total weight.. 42.bs.. plus it fit in one of my bays in my motorhome... I have since equipped it with 55 lb thrust Minkota w/group 27 deep cycle battery, fish finder, two Scotty lake troll down riggers and elevated swivel seat... All of this fixes in the back of my Jeep Wrangler.. or strapped on top of my Jeep.. in any case I have used it in the ocean Pacific coast and class 4 rapids and just plan old fishing and cruising around.. Best part is that SeaEagle allows you to try what ever you order for 180 days and it you don't like... return it... full refund .. you pay the return freight... I know have 3 of their products and it works for me... good luck Paul

ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

[quote=Jeep1980]In 2014 I ordered my first Kayak that would work for me... lol.. I own a Explorer 420 inflatable by SeaEagle out of New Jersey.. It originally came with paddles, pump, two seats, and carry bag.. total weight.. 42.bs.. plus it fit in one of my bays in my motorhome... I have since equipped it with 55 lb thrust Minkota w/group 27 deep cycle battery, fish finder, two Scotty lake troll down riggers and elevated swivel seat... All of this fixes in the back of my Jeep Wrangler.. or strapped on top of my Jeep.. in any case I have used it in the ocean Pacific coast and class 4 rapids and just plan old fishing and cruising around.. Best part is that SeaEagle allows you to try what ever you order for 180 days and it you don't like... return it... full refund .. you pay the return freight... I know have 3 of their products and it works for me... good luck Paul[/quote

Very nice Paul. Thanks for the info.

Paul Paffrath Loc: Lindsay ontario Canada

If u r going to fish from kayaks get pedal power u won't regret it.

Aaron124 Loc: Arlington Ohio

My kayak is a great one and not a wallet buster as far as kayaks go. I own a Shadow Caster 123 from Field and Stream. I have spent a bit of money on mine with the extras like a good fish finder, trolling motor and lights and extra rod holders. The beautiful thing about kayak fishing is the ability to sneak up on fish quietly and in areas that boats can't travel in. Plus they never run out of gas and cost next to nothing to maintain. I can stand on my kayak and fish just like a boat even at 6"2 290 pounds. Kayaks are lighter than a boat so I don't have to wait at a boat ramp to launch. Really the only advantage a boat had over a kayak ( at least in my opinion)is speed and storage. Travel is even easier with a kayak. I have a boat trailer for mine but if I don't feel like messing around with the trailer I can simply put my kayak in the bed of my truck and go. But with my trailer I have it set up that I can travel with my kayak, paddle and rods all on my trailer so everything is all in one spot making for an easy unload and go.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

The modern designs of dedicated fishing kayaks is astounding these days, and I would encourage you to continue seeking a craft that you can get out on the water with easily so that it does not deter you because of any inconveniences in getting it all to the water with your gear. If it becomes too much of a bother then you may not use it as much. To start, keep things simple and basic...then grow into it with stages. The peddle option is fantastic and you will not regret it, but perhaps you can still start out by paddle propulsion and wotk up to the peddle module as you can afford it for the kayak you choose.

For myself, my love of sea kayaking and fishing as a combination sent me in the direction of equipping my "long boat" for fishing as well as recreational touring and extended voyages by being able to bring a lot of camping gear along too. I use my set up in both fresh and salt water, fishing deep or shallow, for numerous species. Jigging, trolling and just casting are all possible but from a limited seating position. You have to enjoy restricted mobility for hours at a time with no way to stand up. If you need a break, then it means a trip to shore. In my home state of Michigan, I am able to catch whitefish, salmon and lake trout by deep water jigging with stiff rods and trolling with leadcore lines along with Luhr Jensen "jet divers" to go real deep while still keep the boat moving at 2.5 to 3 mph. Since you are the motor, the less drag you can devise the better when trolling deep (like down do 100' or so). Fishing in shallow water for pike, bass, walleye, trout and assorted panfish is also a blast, but again, from a very limited seating position. Fly casting can be done the same way, but you need to develop a more firm balance while seated. In summary, it's another way to kayak fish...but from a more traditional kayak design. I started doing this about 43 years ago, and have decided to stick with this approach versus the new dedicated styles. I think it all depends on where you like to fish, what you are after, and what you want to glean from the overall experience. Good luck on your research and final choice...go for it!