Kayak fishing: this looks like a blast. Where do I start?

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Where do I start?

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With The Kayak Thread

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I’m 6’7” and am worried I’m too tall but I see many have adjustable pedal distances. Any advice appreciated. Thanks!

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I know a guy that's 6'5" and almost 400 lbs that fishes out of a kayak. Don't worry about that.

Definitely make your way to the kayak thread.

And yes, it is a blast!

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I have three styles at my house if you want to borrow one to try out.

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I do as well. Alx's are probably nicer than mine though

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If you're free on Saturday Pack & Paddle is having one of their big demo days.

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Don't forget about Beer & Gear at P&P this Friday

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CenlaMikePA

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I am also located in Cenla and I would be glad to meet you somewhere if you wanted to try out my Predator PDL.

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Where Do I Start?

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First I would decide how much you want to spend on getting a kayak. They make both traditional paddle kayaks as well as pedal driven kayaks. Traditional yaks can be anywhere from $400 to $1,500 (new) where as pedal yaks will be in the $1,500 to $4,500 range. Paddle kayaks can get in skinnier water and are obviously cheaper, pedal driven boats extend your range, "fishability" by being hands free, but are more expensive. You can also find some great deals on kayaks on Facebook Marketplace.

Once you decide that, I would demo as many boats as you can. You can go to the Kayak Thread and get a lot of old reviews or you can let us know what boats you are looking at get opinions from the posters there.

One of my favorite things about kayak fishing is being able to custom rig my boat. Start small, spend some time on the water, then add accessories as you go.

Another thing I had to get used to is the limited range vs. a boat. I know it sounds really obvious, but not having the luxury of jumping spots was hard for me to get used to. When I am fishing in my kayak I get to thoroughly fish a 3 square mile area all day. This has led to me catching fewer fish on my trips but it is infinitely more enjoyable in a kayak.

The absolute best thing about kayak fishing is the community of anglers. I am not sure what it is about the guys who fish out of a yak, but they are less territorial than other anglers. They are more willing to share techniques, spots and advice in general which is refreshing.

Feel free to shoot me an email to Drunkencrawfishtd@gmail.com with any questions.

Thanks for the info. I definitely want to try some out before buying anything. I’m obviously late to the party!

Don't overlook the seat. I had to sell my first one due to tailbone pain. Loved every other aspect of that boat.

I would watch YouTube video to get familiar with things. One good point I learned is it’s better to have a medium heavy or heavy rod with braid because when you set the hook, your kayak is going to move in the direction of the fish, so if your line stretches and/or your rod has more give, you’ll set the hook with even less force.

I have been fishing out of kayaks for over 15 years. Last year I purchased a brand new 18 ft skiff and still prefer to fish out of the kayak due to the simplicity of it. I would definitely recommend trying out a few kayaks before you purchase. I currently use a Hobie Outback. By far the best fishing kayak I have ever used for size and maneuverability. I have easily traveled over 10 miles in it on a single fishing trip and not feel like I was run over by a truck. (I am 45) Very comfortable seat and I can easily stand in it. Plenty of options to look at though. You may want to look Bayou Coast Fishing club for some additional ideas. Best of luck.

Thanks again for the recs guys.

I might just take you up on that offer DrunkenCrawfish.