10 Things To Consider When Purchasing A Fishing Kayak

While purchasing a fishing Kayak you must be conscious, because it is more important than any other technological fishing gears. If you can choose a fishing Kayak with the best features available within your budget, it  will provide you great support in fishing. This article focuses on the top 10 things to consider while purchasing a Fishing Kayak.

1.    Choose the Right Type of Fishing Kayak

Different kinds of fishing Kayaks are available on the market. Among them the two key types are: sit-on-top (SOT) Kayak and sit-in kayaks (SIK) Kayak. The SOTs include a seat placed on the right side over the structure of the main kayak. This type SOTs are user-friendly. The anglers can easily enter and left. Therefore, the fishermen can adjust his/her position quite easily. However, SOTs are comparatively less stable due to it’s high level of center of gravity, which makes them less stable, slow and heavy. On the other hand, the SIKs kayak offers a familiar design. In which the angler sits inside the hollow space of the fishing boat. This innovative feature makes the SIK compatible for stable rides. These kayaks are quite lighter and faster comparing to the SOTs. Adding to this, the SIK protects the anglers from the weather impacts, like, cold weather, excess sun-heat, etc.

2.    Consider the Propulsion Systems

The population system is another major point. You can consider among motorized, pedal, and paddle type of fishing kayaks. The paddle Kayaks are often considered as the most available and cheap option. It does not run on fuel/batteries. Nevertheless, paddling Kayak can be tiring, if you want to go for fishing at a great distance. After paddling, you might be too exhausted to do fishing. You can also consider the motorized kayak. This type kayak bears it’s own trolling motor, so you don’t need to bother about the paddles and you can freely concentrate on the fishing task. However, motorized Kayak is more costly and heavier. It might cost you some extra money for the setup and check-up of the motor. Besides these two types, you can purchase the pedal type fishing kayak. This type kayak offer flippers. You need to power those using the pedals attached to the feet. Pedal Kayak keeps your hands free and you can travel a great area over water without being tired.

3.    Consider Space of Storage

If you are a professional fisherman and you need more space for storage of the essential fishing gears – fishing rods, fishing baits, heap of fish, etc. – than any angler, who goes on fishing for recreational purpose. Therefore, choose a kayak that has adequate space to store the gears along with your personal items. Moreover, many fishermen want to keep kayak-tackle bag, which needs a considerable amount of space inside the fishing Kayak.

4.    Consider Your Fishing Location

Ask yourself whether you will go for fishing on the freshwater lakes or the oceans. If you fish on an open water body, then you must purchase a heavy Kayak to ride against the uneven waves and currents. Conversely, a small/light kayak can be compatible for fishing on the streams, ponds, swamps, small rivers, etc.

5.    Choose a Comfy Seat

As fishing is a multi-hour trip, the Kayak-seat must be comfortable. While purchasing a Kayak, you must choose high-back seat that offers both comfort and quality. Some seats offer rod holders, storage pouches and some other facilities, such as, padding & back support. Usually, the small/light kayak includes padded canoe seat or plastic seat. You need to check whether the Kayak-seat offers adequate space to sit comfortably and stretch. If you want to purchase a more relaxed kayak-seat, then check whether the Kayak has enough space to fit that seat manually. It would be better to consult with the dealer to find the best option for you.

6.    Consider the Size, Speed & Shape Issues

While buying a fishing Kayak, you should consider the factors, like size, shape and speed. Usually, the longer kayaks can move faster over the water surface compared to the shorter ones. Additionally, the wider shape kayaks offer more stability than the narrower ones. Furthermore, the Kayaks that bear "rocker" can float conveniently on the high waves; rather than on the flat water surface. Therefore, consider your fishing location and your skill to decide what features you require in your Kayak.

7.    Consider the Transportation Issue

Before purchasing the fishing Kayak you should think about the transportation as well as storage issue. In most of the cases, the dealers help to load the purchased Kayak and essential accessories to the buyer’s car/truck. In other cases the dealers send the Kayak to the buyer’s home address through their transportation service after receiving payment. Whatever the system is, check it before you have released the payment. Besides these issues, you must consider the water access issue; because every location – edge of the water – is not allowed for driving cars and launch the Kayak directly. Therefore, if you are required to park your car in a distant location and carry the Kayak with other fishing gears near the water, then you should choose a small or light Kayak.

8.    Consider the Storage Place for the Kayak

You should also consider about the storage place of your new Kayak. The branded kayak manufacturers usually offer useful storage suggestions to their customers. As most of the people don’t have harbour in their respective backyards; therefore, those fishermen have to carry their Kayaks along with other fishing gears from their homes to the water. You can easily store a small or light kayak in your garage, over your truck or any other place outside your home. Whereas, you will be required to carry a larger kayak using a trailer.

9.    Consider the Color for Safety Issue

Color is a vital issue to choose a Kayak. Recent researches have shown that fish can't see colors like humans. Fish can distinguish shadows, which don’t differ on the basis of color variations. You can choose blue or green to camouflage the nature. However, it would be better to choose Kayak with eye catching colors, such as, yellow, orange, red, etc. These colors are easily visible by others from a great distance, which might help you during any disaster or accident.

10.                       Choosing a Rigged or Stock Model

You need to remember that the only difference between a kayak as well as a fishing kayak is the rod holder. If you are adept in dealing with the power tools, then buy the rigging Kayak. However, the Stock kayak is cheaper than a rigged or angler model. Therefore, if you a have a limited budget, then choose a stock model. After buying a stock model you can drill holes for the necessary installation of rigging. You need to measure carefully before drilling. But, if you are uncomfortable in drilling holes, then the angler model is perfect for you, as it offers pre-rigged arrangement and accessories.