Kayaks are inherently stable water craft, meant for shooting heavy rapids, string sea surf and even some more horizontal waterfalls. When used for fishing, kayaks are not only stable, but offer a wealth of additions that make them extremely handy fishing vessels. When used for fishing, a kayak can have a transom for adding a trolling motor, for easier fishing, allowing you to concentrate on the fishing rod instead of the paddling, especially when the kayak is close to shore, or big, jagged rocks.
Choosing the right kayak for your fishing needs starts with the type of kayak, sea or freshwater, the adaptability of the kayak, in terms of being able to add components to make fishing easier and more comfortable. The sea kayak is longer and has more stowage room, and is the better choice for fishermen. The rudder is normally larger than a freshwater kayak, but you can change the size of your rudder as your get used to you kayak.
There are small, electric, high definition underwater cameras, which connect to the passenger cabin and float underneath and slightly behind the kayak. These cameras show the fisherman what really is under the kayak, as cheaper fish finders will confuse rocks, logs, tires and other submerged materials as large fish, or schools of fish. GPS and fishfinders can, of course, be added, and the natural form of the kayak leaves the kayak fisherman in a comfortable seating position, with plenty if leg room. A long day’s fishing is easier than in a small fishing boat, with a much more comfortable seat and seating position.
Kayaks come with skirts that go on the user, and then connect to the kayak, making a water-tight seal for keeping their body, and the contents of the kayak dry. However, when a roll happens, or is done on purpose, the contents will get wet, but there is special kayak gear, like waterproof kit bags, that make keeping your gear dry not a problem when kayaking in any conditions.
Selecting a kayak for fishing, you would want to have a cooler and a live well, for keeping drinks cool and the fish alive. The materials that the kayaks are made of make for good temperature control, so the fisherman can sit in the sun during the day and not be too hot with the water skirt attached. The coolers last for 4 to 6 hours when packed properly with ice. Oh, something that real fishermen may be interested in is the rod holder, which is designed with shark fishing chairs in mind.
Visit a canoe and kayak store, or look at suppliers on-line, and see which kayaks appeal to you for their style, floatation and adaptability, and the number and appeal of the add-ons that can make for a high-technology fishing expedition. The beauty of the adaptable kayak is that you can configure it on the fly, and to the elements as they present themselves.
However, the one thing that should be considered above all else when looking for a fishing kayak is the transom, as adding a trolling motor to your kayak makes for much more concentration on your fishing.
Fish on!
