Tips for Choosing the Most Suitable Fishing Kayak for You in 2021

When it comes to choosing a kayak for you on your fishing expeditions, some considerations need to be considered. This is because not only do fishing kayaks come in various sizes, shapes, types, and with varying features to suit different requirements, so it is important to think before choosing the right one. Two paramount things to also consider are comfort and safety. 

Other things to consider are

■ Where will you be fishing? Is it a sheltered body of water, or the open waters where you will be exposed to the elements such as wind and waves? 

■ What are the weather conditions and the water temperature?

■ What are the safety measures in the kayak and can withstand the environment you want to take it in?

■ What is your experience with kayaks?

■ The two major types of kayaks: sit-in kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks will be considered here.

Sit-in Kayaks

In terms of user-friendliness and ease of use, sit-in kayaks are the better option. The very big appeal of them is that there is no feeling of confinement in them, you just “sit-in”. So, in case of emergencies or any other situation where you need to, you can easily get in and out of them.

So, this also makes them easy to get back on, in case you fall off. You are always certain of staying dry with sit-in kayaks, due to the “scupper holes” in the bottom of the boat. This allows water to be drained out, which is very important. This means it cannot be swamped, and will always keep its balance when the water level becomes higher.

If you are fishing in cold water, sit-in kayaks will be highly recommended due to the lower risk of a cold as you always stay dry. 

Sit on top kayaks are generally faster, and will rarely flip on their side. Although a major downside is that it does not drain on its own and you need to always drain the water out, it is also worthy of note that sit on top kayaks will hardly swamp when it flips. It also has much larger storage compartments for fishing tools, and a cooler or storage for the fish you catch.

Generally, it is always recommended to stay as close to shore as possible, in case of emergencies or you may need to swim to safety.

For fishing, you have two options, and it just depends on what you want. A long, narrow kayak gives you the advantage of speed while fishing, while a short, much wider kayak is not as fast, but can be handy to carry more fishing tools and will also be more stable, especially in open water. So, if you want to cover more ground and get more out of your fishing trip, then the former might be the better option.

Also, it is highly recommended to get a pedal kayak, as it leaves your hand free to fish properly. 

A lot of companies now offer pedal kayaks as product offerings, as opposed to just paddle kayaks. Paddle kayaks have the advantage of being able to maneuver better than pedals, but they involve a lot of effort. Pedals work very well in deep water and are good for long fishing expeditions in the open water.

A downside to pedals is that they are very inefficient in shallow water bodies, and if you want to go with pedals, it is highly recommended to have a paddle in the kayak as a necessary contingency in case the need arises. Melton Tackle is a good place to start when looking for fishing kayaks, and other types of kayaks for everyday use. 

Dangers to watch out for when fishing on a kayak

Fishing on a kayak can be a fun experience, but sometimes it can also be very dangerous. Safety measures should always be taken to reduce risk, especially when in colder/deeper water.

Apart from climate considerations, you should also consider some natural wildlife that lives in the waters you want to go fishing in. When kayak fishing, these are some animals you should watch out for and plan safety measures against. 

Sharks

Sharks are of all types and occupy most water bodies, freshwater or salty. But, if you decide to go fishing in saltwater, the chances of encountering a shark increase exponentially. Sharks are curious creatures, and although most will swim away or will not show interest, some may come close.

This is where it is important to keep a cool head and stay calm. They may try to investigate if this is potential food, so they may bump the kayak by the side. 

They rarely bite on kayaks, but it happens. It is important to keep any fish caught stored in a cooler, or somewhere a shark cannot easily detect it. Also, keep all body parts in the kayak AT ALL TIMES. 

Snakes

Whether in freshwater or saltwater, you will most likely encounter snakes, who can be pretty violent or confrontational. It is especially dangerous to encounter one during the mating season. Make noises, or use your pedal or stick to strike the water loudly, it will usually be enough to deter any curiosity or advances.

If not, avoid a confrontation and leave immediately with your fish. Always remember to keep body parts, especially your limbs in the kayak and from the reach of a bite. Always keep a wary eye on trees that hang low near the water. Snakes are usually camped up there and may spring up on you off guard.

Alligators

Alligators are an extreme danger and should be avoided at all costs. Usually, signs are kept around places with alligator sightings, and these warnings should be taken very seriously. 

It is especially dangerous during mating season or alligators with young. They become very territorial and will charge with little warning. For the most part, they will hardly notice you but during the summer or where food is scarce, it becomes a problem when you have food onboard. 

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