Kayaking is a very popular water sport. Something that you may not know is that it’s possible to use a kayak to go fishing. The reason that kayaking’s such a great option for fishermen is that it gives them the opportunity to get out onto creeks, rivers, and other hard to reach areas that aren’t accessible from the bank. Bass, catfish, and trout are all popular species of fish targeted and caught from kayaks. If you are adventurous, then you can even use a kayak for ocean fishing. Kayaks are great for fishing, but are inflatable ones? This post will answer that question for you!
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Also Read: Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak
Using Inflatable Kayaks For Fishing
Are inflatable kayaks good for fishing? The answer to that question is a strong yes. Inflatable kayaks are great for fishing. If you are a keen kayaker, then there are far more advantages to using an inflatable kayak than there are to using a hard shell fishing kayak. So, it’s time for you to retire your hard-shells and invest in inflatable kayaks for a number of reasons. Let’s go over the advantages of using inflatable kayaks for fishing:
Easy to Transport
Transporting a hard-shell kayak around can be a nightmare, especially if you don’t own a van or an SUV. Inflatable kayaks on the other hand are extremely easy to transport because they can be deflated and carried around in a bag. Traveling to and from fishing spots with all of one’s fishing equipment and a hard-shell kayak is an impossible task if you do not own a large vehicle, as previously mentioned. It is also very difficult transporting one’s equipment from the car to the water, while also moving a hard-shell kayak. Inflatable kayaks are easy to carry and easy to deploy, making them a much better choice.
Affordability
If you enjoy fishing, then you are probably already aware of the fact that fishing tackle is rising in price exponentially. The cost of lures has shot up massively over the last few years. Unless you make your own fishing tackle, it’s highly likely that rising costs are negatively affecting your wallet. If you are on a budget, then there’s no way that you will be able to afford a hard-shell kayak in addition to purchasing fishing tackle. Inflatable kayaks are very cheap, making them a much better choice.
Highly Maneuverable
Hard-shell kayaks can be hard to maneuver sometimes, due to how heavy they are. When you are fishing you need to be able to move around freely, so that you can chase, follow, and lead fish. Inflatable kayaks are much lighter, making them a much better option. You don’t have to worry about getting stuck or being unable to move quickly enough to catch up with fish. Inflatable kayaks are also very spacious, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to fit all of your tackle in the kayak’s foothold. If you need large storage space, then invest in a two-man kayak.
Better Accessibility
Because inflatable kayaks are easier to carry, it makes it easier for people to get to hard-to-reach areas. Inflatable kayaks can be stored in one’s rucksack, which makes trekking through a jungle, woodland, or forest easier. There are some areas where it’s impossible to reach with a hard-shell kayak because they are so heavy. Most hard-shell kayaks have to be delivered right to the water’s edge by car. Inflatable kayaks give you more control over where you go fishing.
More Activities
When you take an inflatable kayak with you, you can perform other activities too. Camping with a hard-shell kayak is difficult because you are limited to areas close to water or places where you can take your car. When you have an inflatable kayak, you can go out to a remote area, put away your kayak, and trek on foot. If you enjoy adventuring and survival-related activities, then inflatable kayaks are much more useful. You could even go camping and use your kayak to fish, then eat what you catch.
Quick Inflation
When you have an inflatable kayak, you can inflate it very quickly. The most laborious part of fishing with a hard-shell kayak is having to get it out (and then put it away again). Inflatable kayaks inflate in a matter of minutes. You do need to make sure that you have the right pump to inflate your kayak, though. If you do not have a strong enough pump, then you won’t be able to blow it up. These pumps are usually very small and can also be stored in one’s bag, making them a great option for people who like to travel light.
Easy Control
It’s a lot easier to control an inflatable kayak than it is a hard-shell kayak. However, just because they are easier to control and lighter, that doesn’t mean that they’re any less effective in water. Inflatable kayaks are also very easy to turn back over if they are capsized. Most people who go fishing on kayaks aren’t full-time kayakers and instead only buy kayaks to go fishing in hard-to-reach places, which means that they aren’t experts. You don’t need to be an expert to use an inflatable kayak, though you kind of do if you want to use a hard shell because they can be very hard to control.
Maintenance
Lastly, inflatable kayaks are very easy to maintain. There is one thing that you need to watch out for, however, and that is sharps. A lot of fishing equipment has sharp points. If you are not careful, then your kayak could burst. Inflatable kayaks are very durable, but if a sharp-edged or pointed object comes into contact with them, then they can burst and then deflate. Make sure that you wear a life jacket just in case this happens when you are out fishing (although if you exercise common sense it’s incredibly unlikely to).
Kayaking’s a lot of fun. It’s even more fun when you combine it with fishing. Make sure that you research kayaks before purchasing one so that you can find the kayak that’s perfect for you.
Source: usangler.com