How a kayak fishes—its ergonomics—determines its fishability. Kayak makers have vastly improved this aspect of their game in recent years, leading to modern conveniences such as factory-mounted accessory track systems, transducer compatible scuppers and preconfigured anchor trolleys. All good, but not the only answer. Custom outfitting is as close as the local shop’s shelves. Off the rack solutions are available to solve the most complex rigging problems, such as where to shoehorn one more rod holder.
What’s Under the Hood?
For many kayak anglers, beauty is skin deep. We study the deck-mounted fishing features, but don’t look any deeper. We should; there’s a lot going on under the surface. Subtle changes in hull design dramatically alter performance.
For a deeper look, we asked three kayak designers to take us to school. Today’s professors of paddlesports are: Bob McDonough, head boat maker at Wilderness Systems; Jim Czarnowski, creative Hobie guru; and Tim Niemier, the godfather of sit-on-tops. These guys know fishing kayaks from the inside out.
BOW Let’s start at the beginning. The bow plays a big part in a kayak’s performance. “A sharper bow cuts through the water but offers less flotation. A more bulbous bow has more flotation but produces more splash,” Hobie’s Czarnowski explains. Calm water jockeys favor a razor sharp entry; rough water warriors prefer more lift in the nose.
CHINE The biggest factor affecting kayak performance is the boat’s chine, the arc that runs from the keel to the freeboard. Its shape determines stability. “A flat bottom will not rock, while a V-shaped bottom will roll to the side then stop,” Wilderness System’s Bob McDonough explains. Boats designed for stand-up sight casters tend towards flat bottoms. For boisterous water, rock and roll is beautiful music.
ROCKER A boat’s rocker is the horizontal curve of the keel from bow to stern. A kayak with a pronounced rocker will turn more easily but doesn’t track as straight—at least in a beginner’s hands. “With fishing kayaks, we want more keel in the water to keep the boat from being blown around in the wind,” says McDonough. However, a boat with a more pronounced rocker will handle better in surf and rough water. “The rocker keeps the bow out of the wave,” adds independent designer Tim Niemier, “improving control.”
STERN
How water leaves the kayak is as important as how it enters. “A sharper stern will produce less drag and increase speed,” Czarnowski says. “It can also decrease the amount of storage area in the stern.” Another important decision— with or without rudder? “A rudder is nice for control,” Czarnowski admits, “but it can also foul fishing lines.”
CAT VS. MONO-HULL In an effort to increase stability, some manufacturers have gone to catamaran style hulls. “These hulls increase stability but can decrease speed and maneuverability,” explains Niemier. “They can also be heavier than mono hulls.” Anglers looking for a solid standing platform should check out catamaran boats. “The two hulls increase surface area which makes the boat super stable,” Niemier says.
COCKPIT “Often the cockpit is the most involved and difficult part of the design,” admits Hobie’s Czarnowski. “Many factors come into play and often fight each other.” For example, low flat surfaces provide a place to stand for sight casting but may sacrifice tackle storage. Czarnowski strives to make the most out of every available space. “Nobody customizes like kayak anglers,” he says. “We have to try to provide surfaces that meet every possibility.”
SIT-ON-TOP
COBRA KAYAKS
www.cobrakayak
s.com
FISH-N-DIVE
A kayak fishing legend upgraded with a transducer compatible scupper. Among the most stable fishing platforms available, with a 600-pound capacity. Ideal for setting crab pots, lobster traps, spear fishing and full-sized anglers. Includes a jump seat for a second angler or canine companion. Although 36 inches wide, the keel design makes paddling easy and results in excellent tracking. Features: gigantic tank well, 10-inch hatch with bucket and tackle box, and large rectangular hatch for hull storage.
MODEL
Fish-n-Dive 12’ 6” paddle
LENGTH WIDTH WEIGHT CAPACITY PRICE 36”
70 lbs 600 lbs $1,099
COBRA KAYAKS
www.cobrakayak
s.com
MARAUDER
The Marauder is a performance fishing kayak with excellent initial and secondary stability, and ample rocker, providing maneuverability and smooth paddling. Designed for use in open ocean swells, for surf launches and landings. Features: in-scupper transducer insert, user-friendly deck design with four flush mount rod holders, a gigantic tank well with molded-in bait/gear bucket recess and knife/tool holder, a 10-inch hatch with bucket and tackle box, and a large bow hatch for storage. Add $280 for optional rudder.
MODEL Marauder 14’ 3”
LENGTH WIDTH WEIGHT CAPACITY PRICE 31”
60 lbs 475 lbs $1,299 paddle
COBRA KAYAKS
www.cobrakayak
s.com
NAVIGATOR FISH
Modified for 2012 to include a transducer-compatible scupper and optional adjustable foot pegs with rudder. The extra long cockpit is perfect for taller anglers looking for a lightweight, comfortable, stable and fast paddle. Includes a 10-inch hatch with tackle box and bucket, a bow hatch and four flush mounted rod holders. Add $200 for optional rudder.
MODEL
Navigator Fish 12’ 6” paddle
LENGTH WIDTH WEIGHT CAPACITY PRICE 31”
50 lbs 450 lbs $999
www.kayakanglermag.com… 35
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