Since the 1980s, kayaking has exploded in popularity, along with the variety of kayak designs. As more people took up the sport, many began fishing from their kayaks, leading to a booming subindustry of fishing-specific models designed for anglers. The options today are limited only by one’s imagination, finances, and—sometimes—bravery.
I started kayaking around 2008. My first kayak was a used model from a local company that offered trips for college students each spring. My original goal was to get closer to waterfowl in areas that were otherwise unreachable—or to photograph rafted diving ducks that stayed just beyond the range of the lens my budget could afford. Before long, I started bringing a fishing rod along, especially during spring migration.
As migration patterns have changed for various reasons, we see fewer birds passing through my area—never a hotspot to begin with. As my kids got older, they developed my same love for water and fishing. I bought a kayak for my daughter and passed my original one to my son. Eventually, I found a model better suited for fishing and the amount of gear I like to carry, with more room and the ability to stand up to sight-fish when I choose. Between my kids’ sports schedules, deer and turkey seasons, and life in general, we don’t get out as often as I’d like. When we do, our trips often become more than just fishing outings—they’re explorations, swimming sessions, and a chance to cool off under the Georgia sun.
Brandon Adams
Choosing the Right Kayak
There’s a lot to consider when purchasing a kayak, and my goal with this article is to help guide that decision-making process. Understanding what options are available—some necessary, others luxury—can make your experience more enjoyable and open new opportunities on the water.
Kayaks come in a variety of lengths for good reason. The shorter the kayak, the easier it is to turn. If you’ve ever watched whitewater kayakers in rapids, you’ll notice their boats are just big enough to fit them. The compact size allows them to maneuver quickly around rocks, through tight rapids, and over small falls. My mother-in-law and her friends enjoy this type of kayaking and often paddle the rivers of the Appalachian Mountains. The downside to smaller kayaks, however, is that their lighter weight and reduced surface friction make them more susceptible to wind pushing you off course.
For most people buying a kayak specifically for fishing, these highly maneuverable whitewater designs are less desirable. The types of waters they excel in may hold fish, but they’re often unfishable from a kayak—you’ll drift past the fish before you can cast. Around here, we call this “rock hopping,” moving from rock to rock to fish the pools and riffles created by current breaks. It allows you to present a variety of lures and baits in different ways to trigger a strike.
Longer kayaks, on the other hand, are much easier to paddle in a straight line and offer better tracking. The larger surface area and hull design help the kayak glide efficiently, while resisting the effects of wind. This makes longer kayaks ideal for anglers who don’t want to wear themselves out fighting the wind—or drain a trolling motor battery too quickly.
Width also affects maneuverability, though not as much as length. Wider kayaks create more surface friction, which slows turning speed but increases stability. Anyone who’s ever tipped a canoe knows that a small shift in balance can mean an unplanned swim.
I’ll never forget a story from years ago. Some friends decided to hunt wood ducks on the creek just past our property—a perfect spot for a quick morning hunt. They brought a canoe down with a golf cart and planned to hunt from the sandbars between their land and the lake. The first guy climbed in with one end of the canoe still on the bank. As the second friend stepped in—clearly inexperienced with canoes—he planted his weight too hard on one side. Before anyone could stop him, over they went. One shotgun and all the decoys floated downstream while he came up sputtering in the frigid winter water. Their third friend stood on the bank laughing uncontrollably before stating the obvious: “Tippy little thing, isn’t it?” All three have since passed, but that story lives on.
Narrow kayaks are faster, but when it comes to fishing, speed isn’t the goal. A wider kayak is more stable. My kayak is nearly 36 inches wide with a flat bottom—it would take deliberate effort to flip it. My daughter’s, at 28 inches wide with a V-shaped hull for better tracking, is quicker but tips more easily if you lean too far. I’ve often stood in mine to paddle and fish comfortably.
Sit-In vs. Sit-On-Top Kayaks
The biggest decision to make when buying is whether to choose a sit-in or sit-on-top design. Sit-in kayaks have one major advantage: they keep you dry, aside from paddle splash or the occasional fish. Think of them like the cockpit of an open-wheel race car—you sit inside the kayak, usually a few inches below the waterline depending on your weight and the kayak’s buoyancy. With a neoprene spray skirt, you’ll stay almost completely dry. However, sit-ins offer less space for fishing gear and accessories. Some are designed with built-in rod holders or rear decks for storage crates, but generally they’re more limited. They’re also more prone to rolling, so if you choose this type, take a guided trip to learn how to remove the skirt quickly and practice the “Eskimo roll” recovery technique.
Sit-on-top kayaks are the go-to choice for most anglers. As the name suggests, you sit on top of the deck with little between you and the water. It’s important to choose a kayak rated for your weight. Older sit-on-tops practically guaranteed you’d get wet, but today’s fishing models have comfortable, elevated seats with back support to keep you out of the water. The main source of wetness comes from scupper holes—built-in drains that allow water from waves or rain to escape. Some first-time buyers question their purpose, but scuppers act as a natural bilge system. You can plug them in winter if desired, but it’s rarely necessary unless you’re near the kayak’s maximum weight capacity.
In cold weather, wear clothing that repels water and keeps you warm. Some paddlers even use wetsuits. Never wear waders unless you have a tight wading belt—falling into deep water in waders can be deadly.
Sit-on-tops are far more versatile for fishing. You can add mounts for rods, sonar, cup holders, and more. They offer plenty of deck space for crates, tackle boxes, coolers, or even small live wells. Many are stable enough to allow standing, something sit-ins generally can’t offer.
Alesia Max
Comfort, Safety, and Equipment
One factor that limits time on the water is comfort. After years of sports and heavy lifting, my back doesn’t tolerate long stretches of sitting. Sit-on-top kayaks typically offer better back support, and you can always upgrade your seat or customize one yourself. Standing periodically can also help, though until you develop your “kayak legs,” it might feel awkward.
Every kayaker should also consider safety and regulations. Check your state’s boating laws—requirements vary. Most states require navigation lights at night, a safety flag for visibility, and a personal flotation device. Some even require registration for kayaks with motors. In my state, only motorized kayaks must be registered, and anyone under 13 must wear a life jacket. After dark, a white light and a whistle or air horn (on federal waters) are required.
If you use a sit-in kayak, carry a bilge pump to remove any water that gets inside. Always keep a paddle on board—even if you have a motor—in case of failure. Paddles come in aluminum, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. Aluminum is the cheapest but transfers heat and cold and can bend or break. Carbon fiber is the strongest and most comfortable to use. Avoid plastic handles—they’re brittle in cold weather.
The blades are usually plastic or carbon fiber. For calm waters, plastic works fine, though it can break under pressure.
Accessories and Customization
The list of kayak accessories grows daily. Companies are quick to market new ideas for anglers—everything from adjustable rod holders and specialized crates to trolling motors, sonar systems, outriggers, and anchor systems. You can even find kayak carts for transport and live wells for bait. I’ve added a ruler to mine to keep track of legal limits that vary by state or lake. Your only limits are creativity and budget.
Why a Kayak?
A kayak is a much cheaper and simpler alternative to a boat. A new bass boat today can cost over $100,000, while quality fishing kayaks range from $125 to $2,500 depending on features. Kayaks also grant access to waters closed to gas-powered boats—like drinking water reservoirs or private lakes.
I often fish a nearby lake stocked with hybrid largemouth bass to create a trophy fishery. Gas motors are banned there, so the once-empty boat ramp now serves mostly kayakers. Kayaks also open access to large farm ponds where landowners forbid trailers or motors. Many of these ponds are under-fished gems. Offering to help manage the fishery—and bringing the landowner a meal of fresh fried fish—can open doors to even more opportunities.
Kayaks are incredibly versatile. You can use them in rivers, ponds, lakes, salt marshes, and inshore waters. I’ve even seen people take kayaks offshore to oil rigs to target tuna. Personally, knowing what else lurks under those rigs, I think I’ll pass—but it can be done!
My original reason for getting a kayak was to photograph wildlife. I once followed a beaver so closely that it bumped into my kayak without realizing I wasn’t a log. Over time, kayaking also became a way to reach remote hunting areas for deer, squirrels, and turkeys that would otherwise require long hikes.
More than anything, kayaking has given me time with my kids. Even though life limits how often we go, every trip is memorable. We fish, swim, and explore together. My daughter might paddle off to an island to swim while my son and I fish nearby, then we meet for snacks and a dip in the water.
For the competitive types, kayak-only fishing tournaments are growing fast. Anglers photograph their catches on an approved ruler or scale for ranking—no live weigh-ins—reducing stress on fish and keeping them in their home waters. I haven’t entered one yet, but it’s something only a kayak can offer.
Final Thoughts
A kayak offers freedom, adventure, and affordability. Other than wading a river, it’s my favorite way to fish—and my kids love it too. It’s a low-cost entry into larger waters without the expense or maintenance of a full-sized boat. Kayaks take up little space, require almost no upkeep, and often hold their resale value well.
So give it a try—for hunting, fishing and family time, kayaks offer an affordable, versatile, and peaceful way to explore the water.
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