In Case You Haven't Noticed, We're in the Middle of a Kayak Fishing Boom

Charlie Bruggemann

Take a good look around at any body of water today, and what do you see? Kayaks--and lots of 'em, too.

According to a report I read the other day, the growth in kayak fishing in the Continental United States and, for that matter, around the world has reached double-digit proportions in just the last 10 years alone.

"So, why all the interest in kayak fishing?" you may be asking. Here's a sampling of reasons I found online:

Peace and quiet. With a kayak, there is no rumbling of a motor and no noise, other than the sound of your paddles or pedals slicing through the water. With no noise to spook the fish, you vastly improve your odds of finding them before they have a chance to swim away.

Ron Ameika

More access. A kayak allows you to launch almost anywhere and to get into remote areas on any body of water--places that boats simply can't reach.

The economical aspect. Besides not needing any gas, there is next to no upkeep other than the odd cleaning, no big repairs, no storage fees, no boat registration, no insurance, no oil, etc., with a kayak. Your only basic expense is the purchase price, along with any add-on equipment you might want.

Ron's son, Alex

Convenience. It's much easier to transport and store a kayak than a larger boat. With a hard-shell kayak, you easily can rope it to the top of your vehicle for transport to the water. Storage is no problem, either. You can suspend it within your garage, or keep it covered outdoors.

Health benefits. My friend, Charlie, still sings the praises about how kayak fishing helped him get back into shape with the exercise it affords. It's nothing unusual to find people kayaking regularly, not just to enjoy some fishing time but also to get a workout.

A fishing kayak is an investment that can serve you well for many years. Taking the time to do proper research before you make a purchase can help you get the right brand and model. Some of the variables that come into play when choosing a kayak include but are not limited to the following factors: whether you want a sit-inside or sit-on-top model, your height and weight, what kind of vehicle you will use to transport your kayak, where you plan on using the craft, what fishing techniques you use, and what type of angler you are (e.g., a catch-and-release angler, or one who keeps your catch).

Fishing kayaks generally come in sizes from a little over 9 feet to more than 16 feet, with weights ranging from 50 to 70 pounds. Prices usually start at about $300 and may go to more than $3,000, depending on the size of the kayak and accessories you choose.

It's a good idea to take a basic kayak course and/or rent the model you're interested in before purchase.

If you are new to fishing, kayaking is an exciting and relatively inexpensive way to get started. If you are a seasoned angler, fishing from a kayak can take your experience and enjoyment to a whole new level.

Be it freshwater, inshore saltwater, or even offshore big-game that's your pleasure, kayak fishing is here to stay. There's a level of excitement that can't be found fishing from conventional power boats. The combination of manual power, the ability to access secluded waters, and fishing right at the water's surface all combine to add a thrill factor that hooks more kayak anglers every day.

Unfortunately, it's that "thrill?" of "fishing right at the water's surface" that forever will keep me in my bass boat.

You see, I don't like snakes, and the last thing I ever want to do is have to look at one of those critters "eyeball to eyeball." My heart, nor my Fruit of the Looms, would be able to handle that much excitement--take my word for it.

My sincere thanks go to my friends and local kayak fishermen themselves, Charlie Bruggemann and Ron Ameika, for "keeping me honest" with their insightful reviews of this piece before I posted it. Better friends you'll never find.