Best Bass Fishing Kayak

How We Chose the Best Kayaks for Bass Fishing?

Top 5 Bass Fishing Kayaks

What to Look For When Choosing the Best Kayak for Bass Fishing?

When it comes to bass fishing, you’ll need skills, knowledge, and the right equipment to catch some bass – and this includes your vessel. Your kayak will play a huge role in whether or not you’ll fish successfully. This is why you should choose your boat carefully. But with so many kayaks on the market, all with different brands, models, and features, it’s easy to get confused about which one to buy. So to help you make an informed decision, here’s everything you need to look for in a bass fishing kayak.  

Type

Generally, there are three types of fishing kayaks: sit-on-top, sit-inside, and inflatables. Traditional sit-in kayaks have an enclosed cockpit, which makes them better at protecting you from the elements. However, they have lesser space to move around and store your gear. In case you take on water, you’ll also need to paddle back to shore or use a bilge pump to drain it. Re-entering and self-rescue will also be harder in this type of kayak. On the other hand, inflatables are light, pack small, and are easier to transport and store. However, they’re not as durable, and they don’t paddle as well as hard shells. 

Then there are sit-on-top kayaks. They’re easier to get in and out of, offer more space to move around and store your gear, and have higher seats. This gives you a better view, which is particularly useful in fishing. More importantly, they are more stable, even allowing you to stand in them. They have scupper holes, too, making them self-bailing. So you can just continue with your trip even when you take on big waves or capsize. 

For these reasons, we recommend going with a sit-on-top type kayak rather than a sit-inside or inflatable for bass fishing. It’s more stable, maneuverable, versatile, and spacious with better seats to boot. 

Propulsion

Aside from the type, you also have the option of how your kayak moves. The simplest, quietest, and cheapest method of propulsion is through a paddle. If you want to cover more distance, get to your destination faster, fish while moving, and experience hands-free fishing, then you may want to consider pedal-driven kayaks. Meanwhile, if you don’t mind paying more, you can choose a motorized fishing kayak that covers the most distance and get to your fishing spots the fastest. 

Stability

You’ll need a kayak that can stay stable in ponds, lakes, and rivers, which are bodies of water where bass lives. See, with excellent stability, you’ll be able to maintain a fishing spot and stay afloat even when reeling in a big one. It will also prevent you from capsizing when moving around or accessing your gear. Furthermore, you’ll need a kayak that offers the most stability for bass fishing. This is because you’re likely to catch more fish if you’re standing. That said, look for a model that allows a standing position. 

You should also check the width and make sure it’s no less than 30 inches. As you go wider, the more stable it will be. The tradeoff, however, is that it’ll be slower on the water. Aside from that, the hull shape plays an important role in a kayak’s stability. Since you’ll need a model that you can stand on, avoid those with V-shaped hulls. Instead, look for those with a tunnel, pontoon, or flat bottom hull as they provide better primary and secondary stability. 

Length

You should also consider the length of a kayak since it’ll give you an idea of how fast and maneuverable it will be. Usually, longer and thinner kayaks are faster while shorter ones are more maneuverable. So if you’ll need to cover more distance, say in a large lake, you’ll want a longer kayak. This will help you get to your destination faster and without feeling too tired. However, if you frequently fish on rivers, you’re better off with a shorter and more nimble kayak. 

A shorter kayak is considered 11 ft or less while a longer kayak is longer than 12 ft. Take note, however, that the length won’t matter much if you’re going with pedal-driven kayaks since they’re fast and maneuverable at the same time. 

You do have to consider your body size when it comes to choosing the best kayak size. For instance, if you’re somewhere around 250 to 300 lbs and 6’5”, you’ll want something that’s at least 10 to 12 ft long. Anything shorter will be uncomfortable. 

Weight

When choosing a kayak for bass fishing, you should also look at the weight as this will affect its movement on the water. Heavier kayaks are generally slower and require more effort to paddle. So if performance is your priority, it’s best to go with a lighter model. 

Aside from that, you’ll also need to consider how you’ll transport your vessel. Most anglers put theirs on the roof of their car or throw it into the bed of their truck. If you’re planning on doing the same, you’ll need a kayak that you can lift frequently. While pedal systems make it easier on the water, keep in mind that you still have to take it to and from your car. 

Weight Capacity

You want a kayak with a weight capacity that can handle your weight and all your fishing gear and other personal belongings. If you’re planning on long excursions, your kayak should also be able to handle your camping gear. 

Now, all kayaks have a rated weight capacity. However, not all of it is usable. They’ll be harder to paddle as you near their limit. They’ll also be less stable, especially in moving water. This is why it’s recommended that you don’t go over 70% of a kayak’s weight limit. So if it’s 600 lbs, try to stay within 420 lbs.

Comfort

Another important feature that you should look out for is the seat. Since you’ll be sitting for an extended period, you’ll want a kayak that you are comfortable in. It should be quick-drying and well-ventilated. Ideally, it should be adjustable with great back support, too. 

You should also look for a kayak with a deck that’s wide enough for you to stand on. Moreover, it’ll be great if there are non-slip deck pads that can help provide you with better traction when standing. 

Storage Options

Lastly, look for a kayak with enough storage options for all the gear and valuables you’re planning to take. Ideally, there should be dedicated spaces for your fishing rods, paddle, tackles, etc. The more places where you can put your things, the better. 

If you’re interested in DIYing or upgrading your vessel, you’ll also want to look for a kayak with gear tracks or mounting points that will allow you to add your favorite fishing accessories like GPS, fish finder, camera, etc. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What type of kayak is best for fishing?

A: The best type of kayak for fishing is a sit-on-top. It’s easier to get in and out of, is more spacious, self-bailing, and has more features specifically for fishing, including rod holders and gear tracks. Most of all, it’s more stable. Some even allow you to stand up in them, which is useful when casting or reeling in bass or any type of fish.

Q: How stable is a fishing kayak?

A: Generally, fishing kayaks are designed to be stable, more so than the other types of kayaks. Some are so stable, in fact, that you can stand on them. This is because they are wider and have pontoon, tunnel, or flat hull designs.