Common Questions About Kayak Fishing

I've owned a Kayak for almost 4 years now and I've went from a casual kayak angler to helping with an organization focused on kayak fishing.  I've seen the repeat posts asking questions about kayaks and kayaking in general and I thought it would be nice to have a post that I can refer to when I see these questions posted time and again.  Because ultimately the answer will never change to any of these.  Please don't think that I am saying I know it all or have the best answers, I'm just telling you what I've learned and hopefully it can help you.

1. Which kayak is the best? 

Anyone that answers that question immediately with a specific model instead of questions does not have your best interest in mind, they are just pushing a boat that they have because it must be the best if they own it right?  To truly answer that question a few questions need to be answered and above all you need to demo a few.  No matter what anyone on a forum tells you it will never replace seat time and that means more than sitting down in knee deep water and wiggling around to see if it feels stable.  You don't know if a boat is stable until you test it to it's limit and see what it takes to flip it.  Some boats that might feel a little wobbly might have a lot more in them than you think.  So here's what I would say you need to consider

 - Do you fish mainly open water like lakes or moving water like small rivers and creeks?  Maybe somewhere in the middle?  A Coosa is a great boat for creeks and small rivers but will absolutely wear you out on a windy lake trying to keep it pointed straight.  On the other hand a Hobie is the Cadillac of big water boats but you don't want to be dragging it through shoals on an upstream paddle.  Doesn't mean you can't, but you don't want to.  So once you answer that question we can then narrow it down to one or two boats from nearly every brand.

- Do you want to stand and fish?  If so you would likely want to look at boats that are 33" wide and wider.  Keep in mind you are sacrificing speed to gain stability unless you go with one of the pedal drive models, they're pricy but you can stand and fish and still outrun most other boats.

- What is your budget?  You can find a good boat anywhere from $500 - $3000.  Just depends on what features you want and if you're willing to shop used boats with a few character scratches you can save some good money.  But ultimately that will also weed out what boats you're truly after.  If your ceiling is $1500 you're likely not buying a brand new Big Tuna or Hobie.  But that doesn't mean you can't find something that will still fit the bill in another brand or model.

Ultimately, demo as many as you can and find out which ones you like best.  The most comfortable seat for me isn't likely the same for you.


2.  Where can I catch some fish?  

I doubt you'll get many straight forward answers with this question because the sport is growing and it's no longer a rare thing to see backwater creeks full of new boats that were empty last summer.  However, you can still find fresh spots by getting on google maps and finding small spots miles from the main lake.  If you find a good spot keep it to yourself and enjoy it.  If it's a small spot with good fish take your kids and friends you can trust, post too much about it online and it won't be the good spot it was when you found it very long.

To be honest the main lake isn't that bad right with the big boats, keep your wits about you so you can avoid an 80mph rocket that the operator has eyes locked onto his side scan.  Just because you're out there competing for spots with bass boats doesn't mean you can't find some great spots.  As a matter of fact one of my best days in the last month was out on a main river ledge, caught a couple dozen fish that only wanted a brushhog pulled slowly up the drop.  That's something that would be hard for a bass boat to do since the top of the ledge was inches deep but was perfect for a kayak.

There is no substitute for time on the water, I read a lot of articles and watch a lot of videos but you'll never find as many fish online as you will in your boat.  That doesn't mean you'll always be catching, but even bad days can teach you if you pay attention.

3. What's the best PFD for kayak fishing?  

I have used the inflatable and it was very comfortable but I generally prefer my NRS Chinook.  Any fishing oriented kayaking vest will have a high back to stay out of the way of the seat, large arm holes to allow a range of motion for paddling and pockets and attach points for gear.  They all run around $80 - $130 and you can often find coupon codes to Austin Kayak to get them a little cheaper.  That being said, the best PFD is the one you have on you and will actually wear.  I know of at least two cases of drownings in the last few months and neither had their jacket on, the second one was reportedly reaching for it as he went over and trying to put it on.  Trying to put it on when you need it is too late.  No one would try to put their seat belt on right as a crash is happening because it's too late.  Unfortunately it can be the same way in many situations on the water, not enough time to make it right.

The best PFD is the one that can save your life, that's all of them, just make sure you wear it.


Anything else I should add?