2012 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE
BY RIC BURNLEY
WHAT KAYAK SHOULD I BUY? The answer is simple— it depends. What’s your target water: will you fish salt flats, bump through mild river rapids, plunk quiet farm ponds or challenge swell-tossed open water? How do you plan to use that new ride: as a floating tackle box stuffed with every catchy accoutrement, or with just a rod and a handful of baits? What’s your body size and shape? Like shoes, a fishing kayak must be a good fit or it will collect dust.
Fortunately, kayak manufactures are producing a vast variety of boats, one or more for virtually every fishing niche. They come in more shapes and sizes than every prior time in kayak fishing history. We’re living in the golden age.
The Basics SIT-ON-TOPS
By far the kayak fishing favorite, sit-on-tops combine the freedom of a convertible and the utility of a pick-up truck. Sit, stand, straddle or dance a jig—the angler isn’t stuck in the seat. If you fall off, climb back on. Crucially, this style self-drains. They like their water a little rough.
SIT-INSIDES
More in the traditional kayak mold, sit-insides plant the paddler in a cockpit surrounded by a raised deck. Bonus, if you like shelter from the elements, a lighter weight and lower price. Not self-draining, they aren’t surf-worthy without additional equipment and training.
HYBRIDS
It’s a canoe; it’s a kayak; no, it’s a hybrid. Many genre spanners offer a drier ride than sit-on-tops, but are rarely self-draining. They are often most at home in flat water.
INFLATABLES Far more than pool toys, these rides shine for easy storage and portability, but suffer a hit on speed and rigability. Best for apartment dwellers and subcompact drivers.
SINGLE VERSUS TANDEM Most fishing kayaks are solo models for good reason. It’s tough to fish two from most tandem ‘yaks—there’s little elbow room. Tandems shine brightest when you’re teaching a youngster to fish.
PROPULSION It started with the paddle, still the most popular and least complicated option. Some specialty craft add pedal options—look Ma, no hands—or juiced up electric motors.
Fishability, the Soul
of a Catchy Kayak Unlike other paddlers, kayak anglers are fixated on deck design. We consider rod holders—are there enough mounting points, and are they in the right places? We mull over tackle storage—on deck, or in the hull? We trace out wiring—if I put my fish finder here, where do the battery and transducer go? How’s that seat going to feel after three or four hours?
34 …KAYAK ANGLER SPRING 2012
PHOTO: PAUL LEBOWITZ
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