Best Fishing Kayak for Big Guys

How We Chose the Best Fishing Kayaks for Big Guys?

Top 5 Best Fishing Kayaks for Bigger Guys

What to Look For When Choosing the Best Fishing Kayaks for Big Guys?

Kayak fishing is all about patience, relaxation, and finding peace. But if you’re feeling confined and uncomfortable while doing so, then it’s not going to be a very good or fun trip. So to avoid that and make sure you get the fishing trip you’ve always wanted, then you have to choose the right kayak for your size. 

But with so many models and brands on the market, all with different designs, features, and prices, it can be difficult to find the right one for you. Choosing what to buy gets even harder when you don’t know what to look for. So to help you make an informed decision and make sure you end up with the right kayak for your body size and fishing needs, here’s everything you need to look out for in a kayak before buying one. 

Type

Kayaks come in three types: sit-inside, sit-on-top, and inflatable. Here’s a rundown of each type to help you choose which one best fits your needs. 

• Sit-inside: Traditional sit-inside kayaks are enclosed, so they are harder to move in and out of. They’re also harder to recover from in case you capsize. Furthermore, they have limited storage space. 

On the good side, sit-insides put you in a lower center of gravity. They also have a much narrower design, allowing you to move faster on the water. Due to their enclosed cockpit, they are a great choice for paddling in cold water. Plus, they’re a better choice when you want to stay drier. 

Now, contrary to what many believe, some sit-insides can also have large cockpits. So you won’t feel confined while in them. Just make sure to check the dimensions more carefully, especially if you’re bigger and taller. 

• Sit-on-top: Sit-on-top kayaks have a more open design. There’s a seat that’s on top of the kayak, so you’ll be sitting above water level. This gives you more freedom for entering and exiting the vessel. Self-rescue and getting back on the vessel are also much easier after capsizing. Moreover, they feature self-bailing scupper holes, which drain any water that enters the cockpit.

Sit-on-top kayaks have better primary stability, which is a boat’s initial steadiness on flat water. This is because they are wider. So they’ll feel more stable and able to resist tipping over. More importantly, they are much more comfortable for larger paddlers as they are more open and spacious. 

The downside, however, is that these types of kayaks tend to be slower. They also have less protection against the elements. 

• Inflatable: Inflatable kayaks can be deflated, rolled, or folded down after use. They are lighter and more compact. This makes them a great option for those who don’t have the space at home for storing huge hardshell types of kayaks and those who can’t transport them. 

Keep in mind that inflatables don’t perform as well as hardshell types, specifically when it comes to speed and durability. They are, however, surprisingly versatile. Plus, they’re usually cheaper, too. 

That said, your choice of kayak type depends on your needs and fishing style. The best choice for big guys, of course, is sit-on-tops due to their open design. But if you’re looking for a faster vessel with more protection against the elements, then you may want to consider a sit-inside. On the other hand, for a kayak that’s easier to transport, carry, and store, then you may want to look for inflatable types. 

Propulsion

Fishing kayaks nowadays can be moved in different ways. There’s the paddle, which is the simplest, quietest, and cheapest option. Plus, it’s lighter and easier to transport. However, it’s slower and requires you to exert more power and effort to move the boat.

There are also pedal kayaks, which can be propelled through a pedal drive system. This allows you to get to your fishing spots faster and more effortlessly. They also offer hands-free fishing, so you can focus more on catching fish. On the downside, they can be pricey and heavy to transport. 

Now, if you don’t mind spending more and want a fishing kayak that will get you from here to there in a matter of minutes without breaking a sweat, then you may want to consider getting a motorized one. Like pedal-driven kayaks, motor-powered kayaks offer a hands-free experience. However, they’re expensive and harder to transport. 

If you’re not ready to spend big on a pedal or motor-powered kayak, you can always get a paddle drive now and install it with a pedal system or trolling motor in the future. 

Weight Capacity

If you’re on the heavier side, one of the first things you should look out for in a kayak is its weight capacity. You want something that can accommodate not only your weight, but your gear, beverage, and all the things you’re planning to take with you. If you’re planning to take home your catch, then you have to consider its weight as well. 

Now, every kayak has a rated max weight capacity. However, keep in mind that not all of it is usable. See, as you go near the limit, its stability and performance will be affected. It will also be harder to paddle. Plus, there’s a higher chance of you capsizing when you exceed the limit. So to avoid that, try to stay within 70% of a kayak’s max capacity. 

Stability

Stability is a vital feature to look out for when it comes to choosing a fishing kayak. It’s what keeps your boat afloat on the water and what keeps you from capsizing, even in choppy conditions. You’ll also need as much stability as you can get so you can move around to reach your gears and if you’re planning to stand while fishing. 

Before we proceed, you should understand the difference between initial or primary and secondary stability. These are terms that you’ll encounter when shopping for a kayak, especially when checking its stability. 

When a kayak has high initial stability, it will be better at handling your movements. This allows you to stand up, move, or even walk around the deck and it wouldn’t tip over. Meanwhile, if a kayak has good secondary stability, it will be able to withstand the movements of the water. This makes it ideal in choppy, windy, and wavy conditions. That said, since fishing is usually done in calm waters and requires the paddler to move a lot, then a kayak with good initial stability is a better choice. 

To determine a kayak’s stability, you’ll need to check out the following features:

• Dimensions: When you’re shopping for a kayak, make sure to look at the length and width. Not only will this give you an idea of its stability, but it will also help you determine its behavior in the water. 

For instance, thinner kayaks are incredibly fast. However, they aren’t very stable and they’re handling isn’t that good either. So avoid them as much as possible. What you need is something wider and shorter. While they can be slow on the water, they’re incredibly stable and easy to maneuver. You can also go with something a bit longer as it can support more weight and offer you more space. 

As a guide, we recommend kayaks with a beam that measures at least 30 inches or more. For the length, you may want to look for those 11 ft or longer. 

• Hull Shape: There are four main shapes of kayak hulls: rounded, v-shaped, flat, and pontoon. Since having initial stability is more important than secondary stability in fishing, you can cross off kayaks with rounded or v-shaped hulls. Instead, look for kayaks with flat or pontoon hulls as they offer the most initial stability. 
• Chine: This is the transitional section between the wall and base of the kayak and it can be either soft or hard. Soft chines are rounder, providing more secondary stability. On the other hand, hard chines are more angular, which offers better initial stability. Again, since you need more initial stability, choose those with hard chines. 

Comfort

One of the main kayak concerns of every “big guy” is comfort – and rightfully so. Since you’ll be spending hours in your boat, you’ll want something that won’t feel confined. There should be enough space for you to move and access your things, and enough room in front for your legs. You’ll also want to look for a seat that can accommodate your size.

So before you decide on purchasing a kayak, look at the specifications. A longer kayak will provide you with more legroom. If you’re going with a sit-inside type, make sure to check the cockpit opening and see if it has adjustable foot braces. 

As for the seat, look for something adjustable. This will allow you to customize the seating according to your body size. Ideally, the seat should be elevated as well as it will make shifting from a sitting position to a standing one much easier. Moreover, make sure that it’s breathable and quick-drying if you don’t want to be paddling all day in a wet seat. 

Transportation

When choosing a kayak, you should also consider how you’ll take it from your home to the water and vice versa. For example, if you’re planning to cartop, like most anglers, then you should look for a kayak that you can lift.  

Storage 

You want a kayak that can accommodate all the fishing and kayaking gear you need. So look for storage options, like rear and stern tank wells, dry hatches, drink holders, recesses, paddle parks, and pockets. Fishing rod holders will also come in handy when you’re out in the water. Furthermore, you want to look for kayaks with track mounts or mounting points, so you can install a fishing finder, GPS, lights, camera, and other accessories. That said, the more storage options there are, the better. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What kind of kayak is best for heavy person?

A: The best kind of kayak for a heavy person is a sit-on-top. It offers more stability and room for you to sit, move, and even stand around. It’s also much easier to get in and out of. Plus, it’s easier to get back in if you flip over.

Q: Can a big guy kayak?

A: Yes, a big guy can definitely kayak. Today’s modern kayaks are designed to be enjoyed by all, regardless of shape and size. So even if you’re taller or heavier, then there’s sure to be a kayak for you. Just make sure to check a kayak’s dimensions, design, and features before you purchase it.

Q: Are kayaks plus size friendly?

A: Yes, some kayaks are plus-size friendly. You just have to look more carefully. Look for those with a higher weight limit and those with more space. You should also check the seat and legroom to make sure you can stay comfortable throughout your entire time on the water.