From the August 2010 issue of Susquehanna Fishing Magazine:
By John “Toast” Oast
Before the initial purchase of a kayak for fishing, an angler must choose the ideal boat for his or her fishing applications. Too often, novice anglers purchase their first kayak for fishing only to find that they have ended up with a boat that does not suit the conditions in which they will paddle and fish. Those fishing in confined or flowing bodies of water would not be well served by choosing a lengthy vessel. In the same vein, a short kayak may not be preferable when paddling extended distances. The angler must first decide what types of water will be fished, then set a budget, and finally choose the ideal kayak. Once a new (or used, depending on the budget) kayak is in hand, the kayak angler can concentrate on the best rigging configuration.
First, always keep in mind that with a kayak, speed and stability rarely go hand-and-hand. If someone is looking for a stable fishing platform, the chosen kayak should be fairly wide, but as a result it may be short on speed. If someone wants to cover substantial ground between fishing spots, a longer, sleeker kayak may be desired, prioritizing this speed over primary stability. This does not mean that a shorter, slower kayak cannot be paddled longer distances; the faster kayak just gives paddlers more time at the location, and is helpful for getting off the water in a hurry when the weather turns. The larger kayak also typically offers additional storage capacity.
Good examples of the ideal lengths for various conditions can be found in my personal fleet. When I plan to paddle an hour or so from a launch to my destination, I typically use a longer Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident 15. If I am trying to work around confined structure, maneuver through rapids, and need maneuverability, I prefer the shorter Trident 11. And if I plan on paddling in a variety of conditions, I use a versatile Trident 13. The number following the model of a kayak typically designates length in feet. For instance, an Old Town Vapor 12 is twelve feet long.
Once the desired purpose and amount of stability has been decided, the next question is whether to choose a sit-inside or a sit-on-top kayak. Sit-on-top or SOT kayaks are the kayaks of choice within the kayak fishing community. SOTs allow the paddler better access to gear, while providing a design which is easier to re-enter if ejected or if regularly exiting the kayak to wade fish. They also incorporate scupper drain holes to allow escape of water which has come into the cockpit or tankwell (the storage area behind the seat area). While SOTs have these benefits, sit-inside-kayaks (SIKs) give the paddler the benefit of removing oneself from the elements by partially enclosing the paddler within the vessel. The drawbacks to each style are that a SOT is often a bit slower than a SIK, but a SIK can easily become a bathtub if water is allowed to enter the cockpit. This water within the cockpit compromises the stability of a sit-in kayak, and also makes it more difficult to reenter. Again, one’s budget or access to a specific type of kayak may be the deciding factor when choosing between a SOT or SIK. Either may be configured into a quality fishing kayak, but the initial decision is a personal one.
After deciding upon the desired style and design of kayak, possibly the most important issue is weight capacity. A recent trend within the kayak industry has been designing kayaks for “bigger” guys or gals, so don’t worry if you are six-foot-six or slightly gravitationally challenged, there is a kayak for you. Also, anglers shouldn’t just consider their personal weight – they should add the potential weight of all the gear they will have on the kayak. If the boat is too weighted down, it will not track properly, may capsize, or even sink. This is obviously a major concern. If the boat you are considering does not handle your gross (as in total, not disgusting) kayak fishing weight, move on to the next possible kayak choice.
The important issue to remember when getting started in the sport of kayak fishing is to be informed of the products before purchasing them. Also, do not expect knowledgeable staff if you are purchasing your first kayak at a big box store, unless the location you are going to has a dedicated paddling department and staff. The good customer service at a local paddling shop goes a long way, especially when the people you are purchasing from may be the ones you bump into on the water. They will always point you in the right direction and stand behind their products. No matter where you choose to purchase a kayak, make sure that it suits your purposes. You don’t want to take it out for the first time and realize it does not hold your weight or that you don’t have anywhere to keep your gear. Simply do a little research prior to parting with your hard-earned cash.
John “Toast” Oast is the publisher of Susquehanna Fishing Magazine and a member of the Johnson Outdoors Pro Staff and Ocean Kayak Fishing Team. His kayak rigging videos have received thousands of views, and been linked to websites around the world. For more information, visit http://fishyaker.com/ and his Youtube page at http://www.youtube.com/fishyaker.
