Category Archives: Boats

What Causes Fishing Kayaks To Flip Over

If you have been kayak fishing for any length of time, you have probably flipped your boat once or twice. If you are just getting started in the sport, you are going to want to make sure that your gear is attached to the fishing kayak with lanyards so that when you do flip your boat, you are not going to lose anything in the water. You can also prevent flipping over the boat by understanding how so many anglers end up in the water when they’re out trying to enjoy the day.

Being Uncomfortable On The Boat – If you are on a boat that is too small for you, or that wasn’t designed for kayak fishing, you run the risk of having tip overs happen more regularly. Fishing kayaks are designed with wide specifications to help keep this from happening, but if you are jerky in your movements, you can end up flipping the boat very easily.

Large Waves And Boat Wakes – If you are planning on fishing in the ocean, or where large boat wakes are going to be present, you also run the risk of having the boat flip over. When large waves and boat wakes are present, you are going to need to be aware of the direction that they are coming at you, in order to offset your weight on the other side of the boat.

Gear Situated On One Side Of The Boat – While you are loading your fishing kayak, you want to avoid loading it all to one side of the boat, or situating the heavier portion to one side. If you lean to the same side while you are on the water, you could potentially flip the kayak. You can avoid this by loading your gear onto the kayak evenly, and by being careful when you are leaning over to one side or the other.

Basics Of Sit On Top Kayaks

Oh, those wonderful days of lake or ocean fishing in an old rowboat with oars that kept slipping out of the oarlocks. Actually, back then most of us never heard of a kayak let alone used one for fishing. Today, sit on top kayaks for fishing is the rage, not only for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, but the whole family as well.

Modern kayaks today come in different shapes and sizes to cater to various water sport activities.  There are whitewater kayaks which have a short and wide hull profile for stability and maneuverability.  The ocean or touring kayaks are slender in shape and built for speed.  Recreational kayaks are a hybrid of whitewater and touring kayaks.  This model is aimed at the general consumer market and is versatile enough to use for fishing or just a great way to spend time outdoors with the kids on the weekends.  These craft are made of polyethylene or fiberglass materials which make them very durable and light.

Recreational kayaks come in two configurations, sit on top and sit in kayak.  Sit on top kayak is a popular choice for fishermen due to accessibility, stability and transportability.  The two seat version, or tandem kayaks, are geared toward casual paddlers.  They are great for leisure water activities around ponds and small lakes.  Used kayaks are a great way to get into the sport and will not break the bank.  The best way to know which kayak fits you most is to test it out on the water if possible.

However, before you hit the water, it is highly recommended that you take a few kayaking lessons and always go with someone else with more experience.  Practice your kayaking skills in calm water like ponds and harbors.  If you are planning to paddle on the ocean, ensure to familiarize yourself with the tide chart and weather report.  Always wear your PDF while on the water and dress for the weather.