Wesley Littlefield 08.15.25
Kayak fishing is unbelievable as a result of you possibly can attain the very best fishing holes with out spending a fortune, however that doesn’t imply kayak fishing gear “Don’t-Buys” don’t exist. I’ve made my justifiable share of regretful purchases; fortunately, I’m completely satisfied to share them. By the top of this text, you’ll know among the worst objects to buy for kayak fishing and those you should purchase as an alternative.
Don’t Purchase #1 – Low-cost Kayak Cart
The primary kayak cart I bought off Amazon was lower than $50, and I hated it. In truth, I by no means used it. I dragged my kayak throughout the bottom as an alternative.
Each single time I attempted to make use of a budget cart, it might fold up and slide off my kayak, irrespective of how effectively I strapped it on. If you happen to’re severe about kayak fishing, don’t get an inexpensive kayak cart. Save up a bit and get one just like the Railblaza C-Tug.
The Railblaza C-Tug is the very best kayak cart I’ve ever used. It doesn’t fold up or slide off my kayak whereas in use, and it will possibly go nearly wherever I take my kayak. Sand, gravel, grass, river rock, ditches, and hills are not any match for this unbelievable kayak cart.
Don’t Purchase #2 – Kayak Fishing Rods
In all equity, I believed specialised kayak fishing rods had been a terrific thought, and I’m nonetheless open to attempting them, however not on the present pricing mannequin. Kayak-specific fishing rods usually have a shorter deal with in order that they don’t catch in your PFD whereas fishing. Since they use much less materials, one would assume they is likely to be inexpensive. One could be fallacious.
All of the kayak fishing rods I’ve had my arms on had been simply as, if no more costly than, common fishing rods of equal high quality. The butt of my rod doesn’t catch on my PFD sufficient for me to justify spending that type of cash on a rod, once I can spend much less and nonetheless get the identical high quality.
Till the worth drops, kayak fishing-specific rods are a no-go for me. I’ll persist with my common fishing rods, whether or not kayak fishing, financial institution fishing, or boat fishing.
Don’t Purchase #3 – One-Hand Mini Paddles
One kayak fishing gear “don’t purchase” I virtually fell for was the single-blade paddles. I perceive the thought, however I’d load one and by no means use it, all whereas it’s taking over pointless room in my already crowded kayak.
As an alternative, I take advantage of one hand and a forearm to paddle whereas holding my fishing rod. It’s not ideally suited, but it surely’s higher than shopping for gear I’ll by no means use. I even have a trolling motor, which makes one-handed operation a breeze.
Don’t Purchase #4 – Kayak Fish Finder
I really like my fish finder. It’s helped me discover new locations to fish and catch fish I’d by no means have caught with out it. Nevertheless, I didn’t settle for an inexpensive fish finder. I opted for a high quality one from a trusted model.
I like to recommend spending at the least $100 on a Garmin, Lowrance, or Humminbird fish finder. I’ve examined a number of on this value vary from every firm, and all work effectively when put in on a kayak.
If you select to spend much less cash on an inexpensive fish finder, you’re sacrificing high quality and sturdiness. You’ll find yourself with a fish finder that’s tougher to learn and reveals inaccuracies. Ultimately, you’ll improve to a greater one, however why waste the cash initially?
Don’t Purchase #5 – Low-cost Kayak
This may ruffle some feathers. I’ve fished out of low cost kayaks and high-quality fishing kayaks, and there’s no comparability. I’d a lot quite be in a high-quality fishing kayak as a result of it’s extra snug, steady, customizable, sturdy, and all-around simply higher.
Are you able to catch fish from an inexpensive kayak? Completely, I’ve been outfished by guys in low cost kayaks, however I’ve watched them practically dump all their gear into the drink and need to finish the journey early as a result of they’re uncomfortable.
Get a high quality kayak when you’re severe about fishing and need to spend hours on the water. You’ll have to spend $1,000+, however you’ll have a extra fulfilling expertise, and that’s what kayak fishing is all about.
Final Forged: Kayak Fishing Gear Don’t-Buys
Now that you simply’ve realized from my and different kayak anglers’ buying errors, you possibly can keep away from these kayak fishing “don’t buys”, so that you don’t waste your hard-earned cash on junk. You’ll spend extra fulfilling hours on the water and fewer at work. Which is what all of us need, proper?
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