Once you start checking into kayaks for fishing you’ll learn there are basically 2 types of kayaks. There are Sit On Top (SOT) and Sit In Kayaks (SIK). Each type has models that fish well and ones that don’t. The SIK is the traditional style of kayak that comes to most people’s minds when they envision a kayak. The occupant sits inside the kayak and there is usually a skirt that goes around the waist and seals the inside of the kayak from the elements.
|
Tips and Tricks
Kayak Speed
Generally, the longer and narrower a kayak the faster it is. There is a trade off with our next characteristic. If a kayak is long its not going to turn as easily as a shorter kayak. If the majority of your fishing is close to shore or in small, protected areas, then sacrificing maneuverability for speed isn’t the way to go. However if you’re fishing a big reservoir, bay, sound or offshore the ability to cover distance may be very important. The faster kayaks, used for fishing, are generally known as touring style kayaks.
How to Re-Enter Your Sit-On-Top Kayak
Sit on Top kayaks have come a long way and really compliment kayak fishing, they're faster, more stable than the older models. Most people will never tip their kayak and with some kayaks it's almost impossible to do so but we at KFS strongly recommend that you practice re-entering your kayak before you ever think about kayak fishing.
Tandems for Kayak Fishing: Part 1
A lot of us have experienced the joys of fishing out of a canoe with another person, single kayaks have robbed us of some of that interaction with another person while fishing in a small paddle craft. The tandem kayak for fishing can bring that "team" fishing feeling back - it does have it limitations and for some the best choice is still a single kayak or two single kayaks.
Fly Casting From Your Kayak
I had a very fortunate introduction to fly casting. I learned about the sport of fly fishing from two college buddies on Georgia farm ponds and the only type of watercraft we had available was a tiny johnboat with a few broken ribs. It was an awful boat and was appropriately outfitted with a metal pot for an anchor and a plank for a paddle. Because of the broken ribs, the boat was terribly unstable and standing up in it was as easy as standing up on a waterbed.
Tandems for Kayak Fishing: Part 2
Many beginners, when considering their first fishing kayak, ask about tandems. They figure that they can take a friend along or significant other. I've always been of the opinion that tandems are a disadvantageous compromise for fishing and have advised people wishing to get into the sport of kayak fishing to get single kayaks. A recent trip has changed that opinion for some situations and there are applications where a tandem can be a superior choice. Here's how I came to this way of thinking.
Choosing a PFD for Fishing
Coast Guard statistics make a clear point; most boating fatalities could have been avoided if the victim was wearing a PFD (Personal Floatation Device). With that being said lets assume that you need to get a PFD for your fishing kayaking needs. Choosing the right PFD can be a little confusing. First lets discuss the different Coast Guard Ratings;
Choosing a Fishing Kayak
Which fishing kayak is right for you?
Are you confused about which kayak you should purchase? If you have never used a kayak before you may not be sure which one you will need. Keep reading and we will try to break down the basic differences enabling you make an educated purchase.
Kayak Transport and Carriers
Ok, you did your homework and got the right kayak - now you need to make another decision. How are you going to transport your new kayak?
Choosing a Paddle For Kayak Fishing
What exactly makes a good paddle for kayak fishing? For most of us the paddle is a mere after thought when compared to the decision process involved in choosing a kayak. While choosing a paddle isn't as mind boggling you should put a little thought into deciding what type of paddle you will purchase. After all, in a kayak you and your paddle are the motor.
