Choosing a Fishing Kayak

If you’re an avid outdoorsman, chances are you probably like fishing. There’s one thing better than fishing and it’s kayak fishing. Nothing gets you more immersed in nature than getting close to the water in a kayak and quietly making your way along plugging the banks for those hard to get to places for the prize largemouth bass. If this vision intrigues you, you will need to figure out the type of kayak that would work best for how, where, and with whom you’ll be kayak fishing.

You can choose from sit-on-top, traditional sit-in, and portable kayaks. Some kayaks are a combination of these. Before purchasing, you should figure out if you want to paddle or pedal while fishing. Above all to consider is a stable kayak. You can choose a kayak that’s the best of both worlds! You should consider the weight that you will be hauling between the weight of the kayak, yourself, and all of your fishing gear. Many people picture kayak fishing as the fisherman being cemented to his or her seat. While that’s comfortable for many, there are phenomenal kayak options for those who prefer to fish while standing. Lastly, before investing in a kayak, you should know how you plan to transport it. If you want to be a kayak fisherman but don’t have a truck, don’t want to pull a trailer, or go through the hassle of putting a kayak on top your car, don’t want to pay for a storage unit or have ample room in your garage, condo or apartment to store a full featured kayak, then you might want to consider a full featured, portable kayak!

When it comes to kayak fishing, sit-on-top kayaks seem to be favored. They are extremely convenient to get on and off of easily. Although they’re usually heavier than sit-in kayaks, they tend to be more stable. This comes into play when casting or reeling in a big fish or for standup fishing. Even if you opt to sit on a sit-on-top kayak, you are still sitting higher than on a sit-in kayak, giving you a better view for sight fishing. On the other hand, it is more likely that you would get wet on a sit-on-top kayak. If you kayak fish in cold climates and rough conditions, it may not be the right choice for you. Sit-on-top kayaks are self-bailing because they use scupper holes. Lastly, sit-on-top kayaks make it easy to maneuver your body and reach those far away hatches while fishing.

Sit-on-Top Kayak Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Easy to get on and off
• Self-bailing, which means water drains out automatically
• Great for warm weather paddling
• Roomy and comfortable for larger paddlers

Cons:

• Less storage space compared to traditional sit-in kayaks
• Can be slower due to increased drag
• Can be more challenging to navigate in rough water
• Less protection from the elements

The next option would be a traditional sit-in kayak. Sit-in kayaks are much easier to paddle and navigate thanks to having multiple touchpoints. Unlike sit-on-top kayaks, you may feel a bit stuck in place because you cannot move your body as freely. This makes it a challenge to reach the covered storage compartments. Compared to sit-on-top kayaks, you have less of a view for sight fishing. In general, sitting inside a sit-in kayak makes for a warmer, more protected/insulated experience. These kayaks are not self-bailing, but you can opt for a spray skirt to keep water out of the cockpit. Otherwise, a bilge pump would be necessary when kayaking in rough waters.

Traditional Sit-in Kayak Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Better protection from the elements
• More streamlined, which can make them faster
• Generally more stable in rough water
• More storage space for gear

Cons:

• It can be more difficult to get in and out of
• Water can accumulate in the cockpit
• Limited space can be uncomfortable for larger paddlers
• Can be more difficult to self-rescue in the event of a capsize

Portable kayaks are a fantastic option for those who normally would not be able to store or transport a large and cumbersome traditional kayak. Portable kayaks can come in the form of folding, inflatable, or modular kayaks. Each has their pros and cons. For example, inflatable kayaks are lightweight and easy to transport, but there’s always a chance they could pop. Or, a folding frame kayak with a skin cover may travel nicely in a car but not as quickly in the water as a traditional hard shell. Best of all, portable kayaks can take you deeper into nature than you ever thought was possible.

Portable Kayak Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Easy to transport and store
• Ideal for paddling in remote areas
• Can be less expensive than traditional kayaks
• Can be assembled quickly

Cons:

• May not perform as well as traditional kayaks
• Inflatables may not be as durable
• Potentially limited storage space

Traditional kayaks are those that you paddle. However, many kayak fishermen prefer  pedal-powered kayaks to enable free hands for fishing. Kayak fishermen who stick to the traditional route of paddling may enjoy the simplicity or the exercise factor. Using a paddle is a simple, intuitive system that some may argue you cannot beat. Paddle kayaks are usually lighter in weight compared to those with pedals. Traditional paddle kayaks have no big underwater features that may get in the way when paddling in shallow water or pulling up to land. Plus, they are more affordable than those with pedal systems!

Paddling Pros:

• Offers a full-body workout
• Gives you more control and maneuverability
• Can be easier to transport and store
• More traditional and natural laying experience

Paddling Cons:

• Can be tiring for longer trips or in rough waters
• Requires some level of skill and technique
• Limited speed and efficiency compared to pedaling
• Not ideal for anglers or those who need their hands free

Pedaling Pros:

• Faster and more efficient than paddling
• Hands-free operation allows for other activities like hunting, fishing, and taking photos
• Easier on your body and can be sustained for longer periods of time
• Can cover longer distances in a shorter amount of time

Pedaling Cons:

• Generally more expensive than traditional kayaks
• Can be heavier and harder to transport
• Limited maneuverability and control in some situations
• Requires maintenance and occasional repairs to pedals and pedal system

Traditional kayak fishermen encounter the challenge of maintaining a good boat position with their paddle in one hand and their fishing rod in the other. If you’re looking for hands free fishing, you should invest in a kayak that comes with a built-in pedal drive system or one that allows you to attach pedals. The steering is often operated by a hand controlled rudder. Most kayaks with pedal propulsion systems are limited to deeper water because the system could get stuck in shallow water. However, the Flip-Kat® portable pedal kayak offers an integrated whisper quiet nonstop pedal drive with a unique kick-up prop shaft that is designed to pop up when faced with an obstacle. Kayak fishermen may also be more inclined to choose a pedal kayak because it helps create a very natural troll by pedaling at a consistent speed. As one might expect, pedal kayaks typically do cost more than traditional paddle kayaks.

Traditional kayaks are those that you paddle. However, many kayak fishermen prefer pedal-powered kayaks to enable free hands for fishing. Kayak fishermen who stick to the traditional route of paddling may enjoy the simplicity or the exercise factor. Using a paddle is a simple, intuitive system that some may argue you cannot beat. Paddle kayaks are usually lighter in weight compared to those with pedals. Traditional paddle kayaks have no big underwater features that may get in the way when paddling in shallow water or pulling up to land. Plus, they are more affordable than those with pedal systems!

Traditional kayak fishermen encounter the challenge of maintaining a good boat position with their paddle in one hand and their fishing rod in the other. If you’re looking for hands free fishing, you should invest in a kayak that comes with a built-in pedal drive system or one that allows you to attach a pedal system. The steering is often operated by a hand controlled rudder. Most kayaks with pedal propulsion systems are limited to deeper water because the system could get stuck in shallow water. However, the Flip-Kat® portable pedal kayak by Noisy River Outdoors offers an integrated whisper quiet nonstop pedal drive with a unique kick-up prop shaft that is designed to pop up when faced with an obstacle. Kayak fishermen may also be more inclined to choose a pedal kayak because it helps create a very natural troll by pedaling at a consistent speed. As one might expect, pedal kayaks typically do cost more than traditional paddle kayaks.

It is obvious that all kayaks are floating vessels so it is pertinent to consider weight capacity. Every fisherman is different. Some like to bring plenty of gear with them while others not so much. Some kayaks are built heavier than others. One fisherman’s weight can vary greatly to the next. As long as you are aware of the amount of weight you will be hauling (you, the gear, and the kayak altogether), you will be able to find the perfect kayak for your fishing excursions.

If you prefer to stand up to cast your line or reel in a big fish, one of your top priorities must be stability. You will want to look for a kayak with wider hulls. The wider the kayak, the more stability you will have. Stability plays a direct role in keeping you dry but also correlates to better performance. If you feel confident that you are safe on your vessel, you are able to cast farther and reel in faster. Note, a wider boat could also mean a slower boat.

Many fishing kayaks come with great features to make the most of all your fishing excursions. You can easily install rod holders or you can buy a kayak with mounted rod holders, molded-in rod holders, or grooves on the sides for your rods to fit horizontally. A commonly overlooked feature would be the seat or stand-up bar. Many hours will be spent fishing in your kayak so it’s important to choose a kayak that you feel comfortable sitting/standing in. If you plan on doing a lot of standing, try to find a kayak with footwells or a large deck. The portable Flip-Kat® offers a large deck and adjustable combo seat/leaning post that gives you the advantage of multiple secure and comfortable sitting and standing positions while fishing. Fishing kayaks often come with plenty of storage spaces such as internal storage for dry bags and gear that you want to keep dry. Reminder, it’s much easier to access these different hatches while fishing from a sit-on-top kayak. If you’re hoping to use accessories such as your phone and fish finders, choose a kayak with gear t-tracks. Some fishing kayaks, such as the Flip-Kat®, allow for the option to attach a Bixpy Electric motor. It can be used alone if you don’t want tired arms or legs or simultaneously with the pedal system.

Figuring out the easiest way to  transport your kayak may be the most important consideration in order to get the most use out of your investment. When you don’t live on the direct waterfront, transporting a large kayak can get difficult. You will need a roof rack, kayak trailer, large truck bed, or specific rack system on your vehicle. If it’s heavy, you will probably need another person to help lift it on and off the vehicle.

If this already sounds like too much work, a portable fishing kayak is the way to go. Portable fishing kayaks, like the Flip-Kat®, fold up into a compact box that fits inside a standard closet. Best of all, it’s compact enough to bring your friends kayak fishing with you! Two Flip-Kats® will fit inside most full size SUVs, two to six in the bed of a truck, and up to two on the hitch rack system. Grab the handle and with the built in wheels, pedal system and combo chair/leaning post its one trip to the water!

If you’re searching for the best fishing kayak with the most options in one vessel, look no further than the Flip-Kat™ by Noisy River Outdoors. It was designed to check all the boxes of an avid kayak fisherman and those wanting to branch out into kayak fishing. It is renowned for its storability. It quickly unfolds and folds back into a compact box that will fit inside a standard closet. It is simple enough to transport alone thanks to the built-in wheels, handle, and hitch rack system. Fishermen who prefer standing will be reassured to know that the Flip-Kat® is extremely stable due to its four foot wide deck and catamaran hulls that are over eleven feet long. It is a fisherman-preferred sit-on-top kayak that is positioned uniquely to be comfortable for all ages; there are fifty-four different standing or sitting positions. The built-in chair/leaning post is the first of its kind in the portable kayak market. The Flip-Kat® gives you all the options to either paddle, pedal, pedal with the Bixpy Electric Motor, or use the motor alone. Plus, you can stand and paddle! The instant forward and reverse pedal drive system is unmatched because of the integrated whisper quiet nonstop pedal drive. No shallow water or underwater obstacle will get in your way with the unique kick-up prop shaft. You will be able to keep traveling along without even noticing what otherwise could have been a problem. When it comes to features, the creators of the Flip-Kat® did not skimp. It has a telescoping wide open canopy that allows you to get shade without being an obstruction while fishing. There are several different locations with T-Tracks and handles for clip-on accessories. Not to mention a built-in cupholder! The Flip-Kat® portable kayak was made for kayak fishermen of all ages and skills. It was designed to make kayak fishing more accessible than ever before by implementing all the best features and still allowing for easy transportation. The Flip-Kat® is the best portable fishing kayak on the market today!