Is Kayak Fishing Worth It? (7 Reasons To Keep It A Try)

Fact Checked By James A Rockey | Post Updated On: November 29, 2022
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Well, kayak fishing is definitely worth it. The fact that you can venture into quality fishing with a kayak that goes for about $1,000 to $3,000. Therefore, the kayak has become an attractive choice for serious anglers. Moreover, kayaks are portable compared to bigger boats and you can carry a kayak anywhere and use it in any type of water body.

Key Takeaways

  • Kayaks are affordable compared to powerboats and you have to spend less on insurance, maintenance, towing fuel, and launch fees for a kayak
  • With a kayak, you can access water bodies that are off-limit to powerboats
  • Almost all fishing kayaks are extensive and steady enough to stand in and fish
  • Inflatable kayaks are designed for fishing so it will be convenient for you to get to the shore
  • A sit-on-top kayak is the best option when it comes to kayak fishing

7 Reasons Kayak Fishing Worth Your Time

Yes. With its latest generation offering better angling efficiency and versatility than its predecessors, there is no doubt kayak fishing is worth it.

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Whether you have a boat or you are looking forward to getting off the bank, here are numerous reasons to consider kayak fishing:

  • More affordable compared to a powerboat

A completely rigged kayak is cheaper than a primary fishing motor and boat. Apart from the lower cost upfront, kayak anglers spend less on insurance, maintenance, towing fuel, and launch fees.

So, if you have to plan your budget, a kayak is the best fishing platform to get you away without breaking the bank. You should know that not all kayaks are created equal. Adding accessories, and electronics, and going for a propulsion system beyond a paddle raises the price.

  • Easy water access

There is no doubt everyone can’t pass a waterbody without thinking about what fish they would catch in it.  A powerboat needs a launch ramp. As for the kayak, anglers access waterways off-limit to powerboats.

  • Versatile fishing

With a kayak, you can fish a wide range of bodies and catch several species—many like kayaking into sloughs and backwaters where largemouth bass lurk. But the good thing will use a similar rig to hoop pools in small first rivers. Apart from bass, kayak catches comprise pike, panfish, Muskie, walleye, and striped bass.

Many fishing kayaks are extensive and steady enough to stand in and fish. This is ideal when executing underhand casts to target. Access to small lakes gives you more options to catch from.

  • Portability

Kayak is considerably easy to transport to and from the water. Besides, there are inflatable kayaks that are designed for fishing which makes them convenient to get to the shore. You will not need a trailer or a cart as the inflatables can be put in a backpack and pumped once it is time to fish.

  • Travel on a dime

Once you have understood how to fish from a kayak and you are a proficient paddler, new angling will automatically arise. No matter the place you will be, if you can get access to a kayak when you are far from your leading boat, you will wet a line.

  • Improved perspectives

Fishing from a kayak offers unique angling benefits than being in bank fishing or when in a powerboat. Here are a few examples:

  1. Low angles- kayaks are usually low to the water line and therefore make it quite effortless for an angler to skip soft plastic bait up between the limbs of downed timber or under a dock.  Also, being low to water place you closer to the action
  2. Slow and relaxing- fishing from a kayak is slower compared to fishing in a powerboat. Due to that, many folks enjoy kayak fishing. The silent paddle strokes and downtempo pace are relaxing.
  3. Fishing right where you are with what you have– numerous anglers praise a kayak for assisting them to boost their angling skills. Since mobility is limited, you tend to spend a lot of time on a spot attempting to figure fish out.
  4. Change is good– kayak fishing provides a refreshing modification from the casting deck or the bank. As anglers, it is crucial to mix things up now and then, but why? Because it challenges us to learn new ways of catching fish. Also, it assists reconnect with one’s passion for fishing.
  5. Fitness advantage– kayak fishing with no doubt mix workout time on the water and provides you a break from walking, biking, and running while permitting time to stop and fish at a go.
  • Money– If you are into money, then check out this Kayaker (Kristine Fischer) journey to winning $100k in a Kayak Fishing Tournament.

What Type of Kayak is best for fishing?

Kayaks are broadly categorized into sit-in and sit-on-top types. Both can be used for angling; however, the best option that has fishing-friendly features are the sit-on-top kayak. They are steady and effortless to get in and out of, and there is no feeling of imprisonment on them. Also, they are self-bailing, which means water drains via small holes known as scupper holes. They go via the bottom of the kayak.  This indicates that you can’t swamp a sit-on-top kayak.

Another outstanding safety feature is that sit-on-tops are quite more comfortable than sit-insides to get back on from water if at you fall off.  The one drawback to a sit-on-top kayak is that you are almost assured of getting wet while paddling, while sit-inside lets you stay dry all day.

Sit-inside kayaks can be an ideal choice for anglers who will be in colder water, who need to stay dry while paddling, and who desire a faster-moving kayak. The one downside in a sit-inside kayak is that if you flip, recovery won’t be a simple process, you know, since the kayak might swamp. So, if you are a learner, try to stay close to shore or in sheltered water so you can swim in if you want to.  Choosing the best type will, therefore, scale down to experience and personal preference.

Once you have chosen your preferred type of kayak, you will need to select a length for your fishing kayak. Typically, a long and narrow kayak is faster, while a short and extensive kayak is slower but a bit steady. If you are going to participate in sight casting and fly fishing, then a short, wide, and stable boat will be an excellent option for you, because standing will be comfortable.

The trade-off means that kayak will be slower and not perfect for paddling any real distance. On the flip side, if you desire to troll maybe offshore or cover more grounds, you may be required to select a longer, narrower kayak that travels via the water more efficiently.

fishing kayaks for anglers

Is it hard to Fish from a Kayak?

No. Kayak fishing isn’t hard, as many people may think. However, a kayak can’t move faster or cover as much water as a powerboat. So, successful anglers use the following kayak fishing tips:

  • Use multipurpose, effortless-to-fish lures. This minimizes re-rigging and retying; hence you will make more casts in the day and catch more fish.
  • Locate fish using swimbaits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits and search baits. After catching active fish, do a U-turn with a small jig, and drop-shot bait to coax bites from less active ones.
  • Change tactics to target various species before leaving an area.
  • Troll from a kayak as an alternative to casting or covering water.

How dangerous is Kayak Fishing?

Typically, kayaking fishing is safe, but various immediate risks cannot come directly to your mind when you are ready to hit the lake. So, kayaking can be deadly sometimes. Here is what you should keep in mind:

  • What kind of insects/animals will you encounter?

Nothing hurts more than a few bug bites. Insects like mosquitoes carry all kinds of nasty diseases and can easily transmit them. So, bug spray is essential for kayakers to combat such insects. There are other dangerous animals you can come across, such as sharks, snakes, alligators, and beavers. So, you must know how to avoid and defend yourself against these creatures. For example, you can prevent encountering a shark by beating it with your paddle.

  • Will there be any large boats there?

Large water bodies such as lakes and seas tend to attract boaters. Mostly, boaters aren’t directly worried about your capability to handle the waves their vessels create. It is, therefore, paramount to learn to handle all kinds of waves. If you fail to do that, you will end up swimming, and your gear is likely to sink.

When you begin kayak fishing, it is vital to get used to your kayak and learn how to handle it because each one is different. So, do your trials in small lakes until you are ready to move up.

  • Will you have to go through rapids or around rocks?

If you neglect to sturdy the river you are fishing, you are likely to face rough rapids, which are terrifying. Small rapids are controllable and fun if you are experienced. However, if you are inexperienced, then even small rapids can be dangerous. These patches of swift water sometimes place you up against the rock or dump you out of your kayak. So, ensure you stay away from rapids when you begin kayak fishing and move into slow rapids as you gain experience.

Final Words

Kayak fishing is fun, and everyone angler would appreciate partaking in the activity. So, learn all about kayaking, and you will gain a lot of experience needed to fish with it. The article has answered most of your concerns, and there is no doubt kayaking fishing is beneficial and can be done with ease. So, get your fishing kayak and fish with no limit!

References:

  • https://www.wired2fish.com/kayak-fishing/6-reasons-to-consider-kayak-fishing-now
  • https://fishtechoutdoors.com/fishing-guides/kayak-fishing-vs-bass-boat-fishing/

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