Kayak Fishing: Where Can You Go?
Crabs in the Bering Sea are pretty much the only exception!
Saltwater kayaks are designed to handle the strong currents and surf of the ocean, rivers, and lakes. Based on the type of kayak you choose, REI Coupons & Rebates page only limits you to where you can go. In shallow and calm waters, a shorter, cheaper kayak would do well, but in waves, they would struggle. A kayak can be used almost anywhere and for nearly anything, and it's an excellent fishing tool.
Getting Started
In order to get started on your trip to the lake, you will need a few things.
Choosing A Fishing Kayak
The gear you need will vary according to where you fish, what type of fish you're after, and how many rods you have. It's also important to consider your budget and whether you have any storage restrictions.
Saltwater
Saltwater kayaks will be the most expensive and most extensive kayaks you can purchase. However, these are built to withstand rough ocean waters and have incredible balance. Additionally, their larger bodies have ample room to add accessories such as rod holders, sonar units, and everything in between. Along with large lakes and rivers, kayaks are also suitable for waterways. It is possible to use them on smaller bodies of water, but navigating small creeks could be challenging.
Freshwater
Smaller than their saltwater counterparts, these can be used effectively on smaller bodies of water, such as creeks. There is plenty of room on these to hold your fishing essentials and smaller items for the day. Despite being smaller, they are spacious enough to accommodate rod holders, wade sticks, or anything else you desire.
Gear Storage
All of this depends on what you're hoping to bring along.
Angling gear is a major obsession for many anglers. A lure, paddle, sonar, tackle box, more excellent, and so on must be the latest and greatest. However, there are also some minimalist designs. When choosing your kayak, consider what kind of angler you are. Few anglers carry more than they need. Could I use just a few lures, pliers, and a rod? Do I need to bring everything I own for fishing? Kayaks come in all shapes, sizes, and configurations. It's just a matter of shopping around and finding the best one for you.
Price
- Your budget will determine how much you spend.
- Garage sales usually offer cheap used kayaks for about $50 or less.
- Around $150-200 would be a good price for a cheap new one
These are usually bare-bones and don't have a lot of space for storing gear. Kayaks of this type are traditionally sit-in models. Fishing from them is still possible, but they won't have the same stability as a sit-on-top kayak, which you can stand on. A new sit-on-top kayak can cost anywhere from $400 to more than $2,000. The most expensive ones will be bigger and have better stability and more storage.
Kayak Setup: How To Do It
It is simple enough to take it straight to the water from the store if you are a bare-bones angler, and it takes just a few minutes. You can, however, customize kayaks as well. Changing the seats to higher ones would provide a better vantage point and make standing easier. The seats also come with backrests to make them more comfortable.
Kayaks do not always come with rod holders, so you might have to install them yourself. Alternatively, you could use rod holders as spider rigs for crappie fishing. Most rod holders have a clip on the side. However, some may require drilling into the boat. When casting, you should also have something to hold your paddle. You won't have to worry about your paddle banging around in your lap if you want to drift along and release.
You can attach your paddle to a handle or anywhere else on your kayak that has a loop by wrapping some paracord around it. As soon as you cast, you can let your paddle float in the water, and when you want to move again, you can grab it. You can also set up sonar on your kayak. You will need to drill a hole for the mounting bracket, but you will soon be using sonar in your kayak after a bit of rigging.