What kind of kayak for chesapeake bay

It might put you in the water. Ragulsky follows two big rules when undertaking demanding angling. Rule number two is landing the fish. The article was originally published on Kayak Fish. For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!

More Videos. More from Adventure. Breadcrumb Home. Selecting the Best Fishing Kayak. Which is the best fishing kayak for you? Read on - the info below will hep you make the right choice! Length and Weight Selecting a boat should be relative to your size.

Speed, Stability, and Tracking in a Fishing Kayak Usually, the stability of a fishing kayak is inversely related to its speed. Pedal vs. Paddle Kayaks Without question, pedal-powered fishing kayaks are the optimal fish-catching machines. Comfort in Kayak Seats Most companies are now making the lawn-chair-style seat a standard, and are doing away with the flat pads that are sure to numb your buns in a few short hours.

Most fishing yaks on the water today are constructed of rotomolded polyethylene. Some are of better quality and craftsmanship, so ask about that process before forking over your money. Also you should test one out on the water. Rotomolded yaks are made of little plastic beads, which are poured into a hollow metal mold that is then heated and rotated in an industrial oven. After the yak is removed to cool, out pops a kayak that requires only light hand-finishing and appropriate outfitting with rod holders, hatches, or whatever else the design calls for.

Rotomolded kayaks are more resistant to scrapes, scratches and other insults inflicted upon them by a rough-and-tumble angling public than fiberglass or wooden boats. True, plastic yaks are more efficient to fish from, but they are relatively heavy. In fact, most modern fishing yaks longer than thirteen feet do not lend themselves to car-topping, in my opinion. Some of the larger, pedal-driven kayaks can weigh more than pounds, and must be trailered or slid into the back of a pickup truck bed.

This should be another key consideration in your decision-making. Another good choice is a kayak made of impact-resistant thermoformed ABS plastic. This process entails melting sheets of the material to form separate deck and hull parts, which are then joined at the sheerline with industrial strength tapes and adhesives. Composite kayaks fiberglass, carbon fiber, Kevlar or a blend and wooden kayak kits are viable options.

From telescoping landing nets and tools like fish lippers to fish-finders and specialty paddles, your choices are many. So choose wisely. A lightweight fiberglass or carbon fiber, wide-bladed paddle of a minimum cm is my recommendation.

It never pays to go on the cheap in the safety category either. I live 10 minutes from one launch point and 15 minutes from several other points. I enjoy the exercise, the ability to spend time on the water, the stealth, and the simplicity. For those who are more gung-ho, there are many different types of habitats within two hours of my home in Annapolis that allow for many fishing opportunities. I prefer to stay close to home and get to know certain bodies of water very well — I can learn how the fish and the water bodies change with the seasons.

To learn about launch sites and water conditions, visit the Chesapeake Paddlers Association. Peter is an avid and passionate kayak and light tackle angler.