Picking the Best Fishing Kayak
What is the best fishing kayak? Well, it depends. Kayaks have many varieties and can have several differences; the fact is that what is best depends on individual preferences and needs. You need to ask yourself a few questions: Where and how often will I fish? How much am I willing to spend? After I buy it, will I even want to look at it again after sitting and paddling for several hours? Let’s look at some aspects of a fishing kayak:
Kayaks can be a rigid or inflatable hull;
Rigid kayaks are almost always made of polyethylene, while inflatables are made of a PVC material. Most people choose a rigid helmet as they are more stable and more resistant to damage. Best Inflatable Kayak , however, have their advantages: they are much lighter and therefore easier to carry (an inflatable kayak is usually the size of a suitcase when deflated). Inflatable kayaks usually come with a pump of some sort, so they can be easily transported in the water and inflated on arrival.
Most people, especially beginners, are usually better off with a rigid kayak. Inflatables have their uses, but rigid helmets are more versatile, especially if you plan to go out into the open ocean. An inflatable kayak would not be my first choice if a curious shark decided to take a test bite of my kayak!
One more thing to mention: there are two sitting positions for a kayak, sitting and sitting up. Most fishing kayaks are sit-on-top as they allow for more storage and are easier to get in and out of; however, if you plan to fish in cold water, you may want to consider a sitting kayak, as this design helps prevent the lower body from getting wet due to dripping water and waves.
There are drawbacks to determining the size of a kayak. Fishing kayaks are typically 10 to 16 feet long and 26 to 34 inches wide. A shorter (12 feet or less) and wider (30 inches or more) kayak will turn easily, but it will be much harder to paddle and maintain speed. A longer (more than 13 feet) and narrower (less than 30 inches) kayak will glide through the water faster with less effort, but will be harder to turn. They can’t stand the wind either.
With that in mind, think about where you will be fishing. If you plan to go to the ocean, which mostly requires traveling in a straight line for short distances, a long, narrow kayak is preferable. If you plan to fish in a smaller lake or stream, a shorter, wider kayak is the way to go.
Now that you have a general idea of what is the best fishing kayak for you, there are other optional aspects to consider.
Most fishing kayaks include a dry storage compartment and a tank well (this is a compartment that contains things that can get wet, such as a bucket of bait or a casting net). If you plan to take longer, multi-day excursions, it may be a good idea to look for more dry storage.
Remember before, when I mentioned sitting in your kayak for hours? We are fishing, remember. Therefore, a good seat is essential. Most fishing kayaks come with a seat, but if you’re not comfortable enough or have a sore back, you may want to try a new seat; they are quite easy to replace. Get one with lots of pillows and back support. There are usually two fishing rod holders behind the seat and additional front mounts for things like a compass or a depth finder.
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