It’s a question that every kayak angler has to ask themselves. Many factors are involved in making the right decision, particularly for women with unique needs for gear and clothing. I don’t know about you, but I’ve looked into buying a kayak before, and it was overwhelming!
Which one should I get? What size is right for me? Can the kayak be used by both my husband AND me? How much weight can it hold? Which accessories are necessary, which are lovely to have, and which are unnecessary?
Should I go with sit-in or sit-on-top? Will there be enough legroom inside this cockpit? That last one may not affect you, but you get the point. Deciding on a kayak can be overwhelming for any angler – male or female.
Nevertheless, there are certain factors that women should take into account before buying a kayak. For example, a few years ago, I came across a video of a lady touring the Florida Everglades in her kayak and catching several fish, including several 15+ lbs Snook! I would love to explore that type of terrain someday. I found it highly inspiring and wondered why more women weren’t out on boats catching big fish.
However, after some research, I realized that plenty of ladies were doing their thing on the water. In addition, many do-it-yourselfers were creating custom fishing kayaks for themselves.
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Here Are A Few Reasons Why I Think More Women Should Consider Fishing From Kayaks:
1) It’s fun!
2) It’s healthy- kayaking can be an aerobic workout, plus you get the bonus of being out in nature and enjoying God’s creation. You’ll breathe fresh air, see beautiful sights, experience tranquillity at its finest, and catch fish to boot! It’s an all-around win/win situation. 🙂 Check out this article for some tips on getting started kayak fishing.
3) The thrill of stalking your prey before catching them is exhilarating!
4) Many species of fish live in saltwater or freshwater that can be targeted from a kayak. It’s truly an angler’s paradise!
5) You don’t need to know how to swim (you can get a life jacket!)
6) Comfortable, sturdy and stable seating arrangements allow you to fish longer and more comfortably than other devices, such as pontoons or float tubes.
7) They’re portable- after fishing, store your gear in the hull and roll it up! Then, load your kayak (or two) onto your vehicle and go home!
8) Fishing kayaks are safe: made with high-quality materials and designed by safety professionals who care about their clients. That means they will be durable and lightweight while maintaining the stability necessary for fishing.
9) Because there are numerous models of fishing kayaks available, you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
Here are some things to think about while you’re out shopping for a kayak:
Where Will I Go Kayaking?
There are several types of kayaks available, depending on your intended use. For example, if you plan fishing lakes or ponds, you’ll want a recreational or sit-in model. Recreational kayaks are more affordable and easier to transport, but they can tip over more quickly than sit-on-top models with higher sides if you’re not careful.
If you plan to go out in saltwater, consider getting a sit-on-top because they are less likely to capsize due to splashing waves! It may take some time to get used to sitting on top of your kayak, but it will be worth the effort.
Another essential thing to consider is whether you plan on paddling or using a motor to propel your kayak. Sit-on-tops work better with an electric trolling motor (which many anglers prefer anyway), but models can hold you and your gear comfortably if you opt for paddling.
How Much Money Am I Willing/ Able To Spend?
Kayaks range in price from around $300-$2000 depending on the model, material, accessories, etc. Don’t feel pressured to spend $1400 on a fancy new kayak if you’re starting. You can use almost any kayak for fishing, and odds are you can modify or add to it if you go with a lower-end model. are you looking for a cheap kayak? Please visit Cheap kayak for sale under 200$
How Often Will I Kayak Fish?
If you’re going to hit the water once in a while, there’s no reason to spend a lot of money on accessories that may only be used a few times a year. However, suppose this will be your primary mode of transportation during warm weather.
In that case, investing in quality products that will last might save you money over time! Also, remember that gear such as safety equipment and tackle storage should not be skimped on- life jackets and flotation bags may mean the difference between life and death, so choose carefully.
Where Can I Try Before I Buy?
Many kayak manufacturers (Ocean Kayak is one example) offer demo day events where you can try out their product, ask questions and even fish with it! This will be the best way to decide on the model which will work best for your needs.
If there are no demo days available in your area, look into local kayak fishing clubs or online forums where you might find someone willing to let you test their kayak for a few hours. Chances are they’ll appreciate some help paddling as well!
What Accessories Do I Need?
Depending on if you’re buying a recreational or sit-on-top kayak, certain accessories may already come standard with your purchase. However, you will most likely need to invest in additional gear, such as a paddle (the “correct” one for your kayak), fishing pole holders, and an anchor system.
In addition, if you plan on making any overnight kayak camping/ fishing trips, consider investing in things like bulkhead bags and rod stagers, which make organizing your equipment much more efficient!
Are There Any Safety Concerns?
You should always wear a life jacket while on the water, but this is especially true if you’re using a recreational kayak since they are not as stable as sit-on-top models. Other items, such as throw ropes, paddles, spare parts, etc., should be stored close by and accessible so that if something breaks, you can fix it quickly before becoming stranded.
Also, ensure your kayak has adequate flotation bags and foam blocks to keep the hull afloat if it is swamped with water.
The important thing is not to be overwhelmed by all the options available when purchasing a kayak- plenty of affordable models out there will do a fine job for an angler on a budget! Also, remember that this purchase is an investment in your passion, so don’t skimp on quality.
If you have any questions feel free to post them below or email me at admin@bestkayakseller.com Thanks for reading as always, and happy fishing!
Types Of Kayaks Available
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s essential to know about the different kayaks used for fishing purposes. There are three main types: Recreational (RK), Sit-on-Top (SOT), and Sit-in (SI).
Recreational Kayak
These models resemble small plastic boats and typically come equipped with one or two-rod holders, a fixed seat, and perhaps a tiny compartment for storing gear. They tend to be faster than their SOT counterparts, but you will not have as good mobility as a SOT because they require you to sit inside. Their smaller size makes it more challenging to stand up and cast, so they are not usually recommended for fishing purposes.
Sit-On-Top Kayak
These models are the most popular among anglers due to their basic design: an open-top deck with no seat, foot braces, or bulkheads. The absence of a seat makes it easier to move around on the water; however, this same feature can make them more tiring to paddle.
Sit-In Kayaks
These models resemble traditional sea kayaks and have a closed hull that provides a dryer ride but at less mobility and slower speed. They typically come equipped with one or two-rod holders, and adjustable seats, and some even offer storage compartments.
These kayaks are the fastest and most stable however they are not great for fishing at anchor since you cannot stand to cast your rod due to their design.
The Right Size Kayak
Kayak angling is best enjoyed in small water areas where big boats can’t go, so when choosing a model, it’s essential to remember that bigger is not always better! You should take care not to get too large of a vessel; otherwise, maneuvering will become difficult, especially if there is any wind or current.
The kayak’s width plays an essential part in this as well. Typically wider kayaks will be slower than narrower ones. Still, they will offer more stability, which makes standing up easier. If you’re new to the sport, I suggest going with a 9 or 10-foot kayak, as this will provide an excellent mix of speed and stability.
What To Look For In The Best Fishing Kayaks
Once you’ve decided what size and type of boat you’re looking for, it’s time to consider specific features that will make your experience more enjoyable and productive! When doing your research, remember that there isn’t one ideal kayak angler, so you should choose options based on your particular needs. Here are some things to consider:
1) Number, location, and adjustability of rod holders:
If you plan to stand up while casting, have more than one place where your rods can be secured. Remember that anglers who remain seated only need this feature on one side of the boat.
2) Comfort :
Sit-in kayaks are great for fishing at anchor because they offer plenty of legroom, but if you’re planning to paddle long distances, your vessel must come equipped with features that ensure carrying comforts, such as adjustable seats or padded foot braces
3) Stability:
One of the most important factors when choosing a kayak is its stability, especially standing up! Even experienced anglers can take a spill so buying a model which has high initial strength and offers secondary stability upon being tipped over is essential
4) Storage:
No fisher likes their gear floating away, so look out for models which have well-protected compartments in which you can store your necessities
5) Weight :
You don’t want a kayak that is too heavy and difficult to transport, especially if you’re planning on using it in remote locations
6) Price :
Depending on what you’re looking for, this factor may or may not be essential but before purchasing anything, make sure that you are getting the best quality at an acceptable price
7) Boat material:
Nowadays, most kayaks are made from either plastic or fiberglass. While fiberglass models are more durable, they can be much heavier, making them harder to carry around. Plastic boats, however, are typically cheaper but need more maintenance
8) Special features:
some fishing kayaks come with valuable features such as anchor trolleys or rod holders explicitly designed for the sport of kayak angling
Whether you’re looking to catch your dinner or want to relax on the water rediscovering the joys of fishing in an environment where there are no powerboats or other distractions is a truly liberating experience.