Is this the year you finally plan to get yourself a kayak or purchase one for a loved one? Before you run out and buy one, there are a few important factors to consider. Basically, the most important consideration is that you are comfortable in your new kayak. There is nothing worse than finding out after your purchase that your new boat is just not a good fit for you. You want to make sure that it is roomy enough to move around without feeling like you are a sardine packed into the can. Conversely, you want to make sure that your new ride is not cumbersome. If you have difficulty maneuvering it on the water or trouble loading it onto your vehicle, it will not see optimal time on the water. For example, The Hobie Pro Angler is amazing to fish out of, but you probably want to have a pick up or trailer to transport it. I really would not want to try to throw one on my roof. The beauty of the kayak is the accessibility it gives you to launch and fish in areas that even flats skiffs can’t reach. By test-driving as many yaks as possible, you can ensure that yours will end up being a fish-catching machine and not collecting dust in the garage.
Some of the best ways to ensure that your future kayak is the right fit is to shop based on your size and fishing needs. Go to your local kayak shop rather than a big box store and explain your needs to one of their professionals. Sit on several different models for comfort, pick them up to test their weight and make sure any accessories you want to add will fit without impeding your fishability. Economy Tackle in Sarasota offers monthly demo days where you can get a little time on the water in a variety of models to help narrow your choice. My feeling is that the best way to make your purchase is to rent the model that you have the most interest in and take it out fishing. You will get to experience what the boat has to offer in actual situations that it will be used. Most kayak shops offer credit towards purchase when you rent from them and they usually also offer free delivery to local launches.
Here are a few suggestions from this angler that spends over 150 days on the water. Decide ahead of time if you want a pedal or paddle kayak. While paddle kayaks are usually less expensive, the pedal boats offer hands free fishing and a longer range when it comes to planning a trip. If you decide on a paddle model, budget the expense of a rudder in when you are making your decision. A rudder makes all the difference in the world when drifting the flats or tree lines. Any time you have to put your rod down to correct your craft with the paddle it will cost you fish. Purchase the lightest paddle that you can afford. It is your motor. Trying to paddle all day with a tree trunk will fatigue you and cut short your time on the water. Add a stake out pole to your purchase. It serves as the perfect shallow water anchor, as well as a brake that will prevent you from drifting over fish once you locate them. Stay tuned, because if you are serious about the sport, the PowerPole micro will be for sale beginning in January. Just imagine never running over fish again, as all it will take is a push of a remote hung around your neck to firmly plant you in the perfect position to cast to your quarry.
For all your kayak needs visit Economy Tackle at 6018 South Tamiami Trail in Sarasota Florida. You can contact them at: (941)922-9671, floridakayak.com or check out their FaceBook page. They feature Hobie Kayaks, as well as Wilderness Systems and Native Kayaks. They have a wide range of rentals, a full service repair shop and an extensive selection of tackle and kayak accessories. They also offer monthly demo days at Ackerman Park off the Fruitville Road Exit of I75. Check their website for times and dates.
Economy’s Annual Truckload sale will be held December 6th thru 8th featuring the lowest prices of the year. Representatives from most of the major kayak, SUP and paddle companies will be on hand to answer your questions. As a kickoff to the event, I will be conducting a seminar on winter kayak fishing tactics on Thursday December 5th at 6:00. Come on out and join in on the fun.
Happy holidays and good times on the water with your new fish catching machine!