New kayak fisherman here
Nov 19, 2021 10:00:09 #
Hey guys, I'm new to fishing on a kayak. I've done kayaking and fishing on their own before but never done both at the same time. I need advice on picking the right kayak for me, I'm 6'0" 220lbs, I don't really bring a lot of gear when fishing and I also don't have a roof mount for a kayak. I was thinking of getting an inflatable kayak or one of those foldable ones, are the inflatable ones good enough? The foldable ones seem pretty expensive but I don't mind the price if they're the best option available.
Please spare me some tips and tricks as well while you guys are at it. Thank you!
--
by Whoosh2Bait
Please spare me some tips and tricks as well while you guys are at it. Thank you!
--
by Whoosh2Bait
Nov 19, 2021 11:20:06 #
Much of your decision will rest on the type of waters that you plan to fish on a regular basis, and how easy it will be to get close to launch sites and transport your craft.
An inflatable would probably be a better choice than a folding unit. The biggest gain will be the payload and perhaps stability as well. I would not be too quick to dismiss a hard sided boat, although you might have storage issues at home which is why you are leaning away from them?
SOT's (sit on tops) seem to dominate the kayak fishing market but they tend to be heavy when compared to traditional "sit in" styles. You will need to decide if you enjoy paddling...or pedaling too. A small trailer or pick up truck bed van be handy as well for getting your kayak around. If you paddle with a friend...all the better so you have help.
Although not necessary, a fish finder/depth gauge is a terrific item to take along and assist you with keeping an eye on what is below in terms of fish presence, structure, etc.
You can jig, troll or cast for the most part with ease via either kayak style, so it all depends on what you personally prefer. An SOT will put you up a little higher in terms of viewing in the water, and you may even be able to stand up in one. A sit in style tends to keep you low, and I doubt that you would ever stand up in one.
Those are a few things to consider, and since you mention having kayaked before you may already know what direction you will take.
Other folks will hopefully add some extra comments and keep us all from writing a short novel in reply.
An inflatable would probably be a better choice than a folding unit. The biggest gain will be the payload and perhaps stability as well. I would not be too quick to dismiss a hard sided boat, although you might have storage issues at home which is why you are leaning away from them?
SOT's (sit on tops) seem to dominate the kayak fishing market but they tend to be heavy when compared to traditional "sit in" styles. You will need to decide if you enjoy paddling...or pedaling too. A small trailer or pick up truck bed van be handy as well for getting your kayak around. If you paddle with a friend...all the better so you have help.
Although not necessary, a fish finder/depth gauge is a terrific item to take along and assist you with keeping an eye on what is below in terms of fish presence, structure, etc.
You can jig, troll or cast for the most part with ease via either kayak style, so it all depends on what you personally prefer. An SOT will put you up a little higher in terms of viewing in the water, and you may even be able to stand up in one. A sit in style tends to keep you low, and I doubt that you would ever stand up in one.
Those are a few things to consider, and since you mention having kayaked before you may already know what direction you will take.
Other folks will hopefully add some extra comments and keep us all from writing a short novel in reply.
Nov 20, 2021 13:59:55 #
I actually prefer a SOT yak, though they may be heavy my Lifetime Teton Pro only weighs 88 pounds with all my gear. I also use my yak in the lakes and ponds in my area but I also use my SOT for ocean fishing. I paddle, do to knee issues which keep me from peddling.
Nov 20, 2021 14:21:32 #
Nov 20, 2021 15:43:00 #
BChadwick
Loc: Springboro, OH
Good advice above. I started out with an cheap inflatable 2 person Intex Explorer K2 kayak but just didn't put in the 2nd seat. I'm 6'1". I caught some fish & enjoyed myself but after about an hour it got very uncomfortable. You sit very low & there is no back support. Wind & current make it very difficult to control. I felt like a beach ball blowing across the lake. After I rented a Hobie fishing kayak with a peddle drive I started looking for other options. It was so much more comfortable & easier to control. My hands were always free for fishing which was awesome. I wanted to fish from a kayak so I decided to get the following: 1. Sit on top chair for comfort. 2. Kayak large enough to allow standing for sight fishing 3. Peddle drive so my hands could be free to fish & pedal simultaneously. 3. controllable rudder & skegg so I could control the boat easier in current & wind. Storage for my gear was an added bonus. The only drag was the cost & need for a trailer. Look around & try some out if possible before you invest.
Nov 21, 2021 11:32:55 #
Jzyjack
Loc: Inverness, FL
I'm 6'3" and about 195# and have been in a Lifetime Tioga angler 10' for about a year. It works for me, but i may upgrade in the spring. You can get them for around $350 or less these day and might be worth it to see how much you like it and use it before buying a higher end boat. There are also plenty of modification videos on youtube if you are the type that likes to tinker with things (I do). Once you decide to upgrade you can check the local classifieds, both print and online, and you can probably find a forever boat that will fit you at a discount if you put a little time into it. Have fun!
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.