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Which Fishing Kayak is Right for You?

By  //  November 12, 2019

The myth of the kayaks instability most likely has come from people’s suspicions that modern kayaks are somewhat similar to racing kayaks. But unlike sports kayaks, fishing ones have a radically different shape.

The myth of the kayaks instability most likely has come from people’s suspicions that modern kayaks are somewhat similar to racing kayaks. But unlike sports kayaks, fishing ones have a radically different shape.

They are almost 2 times wider than sports boats and have a flat bottom.

Over the past decade, all the efforts of manufacturers around the world and all research in this industry have been aimed at increasing the kayak stability on water and making it as safe and affordable as possible.

Kayak for Fishing 

There are dozens of kayaks built specifically for fishermen, and each one offers a unique combination of stability, size, speed, and fishing features.

The best fishing kayaks under 1000 are modernized tourist versions with developed functionality:

  • Comfortable seats are adapted for a long stay in a sitting position.
  • Special holders for rods, the use of which is possible both when transporting the rods and for hunting using a track.
  • Appropriate holders for the sounder, as well as clamps for mounting the sounder sensor; advanced anchor is foreseen.
According to the load capacity, you should choose such kayaks so that the nominal carrying capacity exceeds your weight by at least 88 lbs.

Main Characteristics 

According to the load capacity, you should choose such kayaks so that the nominal carrying capacity exceeds your weight by at least 88 lbs.

And always remember: you need a kayak to move on water. Therefore, choosing kayaks should be based on those qualities that are important on water, not on land.

What should you be guided by when choosing a kayak on jonsguide.org? The short and wide kayak 11,48 – 12,13 feet long is the best option when fishing in small lakes, rivers, and canals, the width of which is up to 6 miles.

If fishing involves long distances of more than 3-4 miles, then it is suggested to purchase 13 feet or longer models. It is quite problematic for short kayaks to keep the chosen direction in big water. Especially with a crosswind and a high wave, since their speed and directional stability is several times less.

So, the larger the water area, the longer the kayak should be. If you have to choose between a short and a long kayak, then it is suggested to give preference to a longer kayak.

As for the width, it should provide a comfortable fit; here you will have to take your physical parameters and physical fitness into account.

The length and width should correspond to each other since the speed indicators of a kayak, its stability on water and maneuverability depend on this.

The greater the kayak parameters, the faster it is; its stability on water decreases with a smaller size. It is recommended to purchase a kayak taking the goals and objectives set into account. It is always possible to buy the necessary devices (echo sounder, spinning holders, etc.), but it will be impossible to change the width or length.

Long kayaks can do everything short ones do, but not the other way around. The only exception is small rivers, where the length of the kayak is equal to or greater than half the width of the river – then you need to take a short one.

With these recommendations, you can select a fishing kayak properly.