Hull design and weight capacity are major factors in determining a kayak ’ s stability .
PHOTO BY MATT BALL
“ Kayaks just aren ’ t stable enough for me .”
As is the case with just about anything else you purchase , it ’ s all about the fit . Correct kayak selection is the key to disproving this common misconception .
To be fair , many kayaks are not that stable . The design of the hull and the weight capacity can make all the difference in how stable your kayak is going to be . Generally , the wider the kayak the more stable it is ; and the larger you are , the bigger kayak you probably need for a comfortable experience on the water .
There are so many variables that factor into this issue that it could be an entire article on its own , but the bottom line is this : If you ’ re going to load your kayak with batteries , electronics , multiple rods and large amounts of tackle and other gear , you need a kayak with a large weight capacity and a fairly wide hull . If you have a narrow kayak with a weight capacity that barely exceeds your body weight with a few tackle items and gear , you ’ ll probably end up getting wet at some point .
Consequently , testing out various boats is invaluable in making the right decision about what kind of kayak you need . Set up a time at a local kayak dealership to test out different models to get a feel for the stability and space available in the different models . Even if a brand-new kayak isn ’ t in your budget , you can see what best fits your needs before buying a used one . Once you have the right kayak , standing up to sight-fish beds or punch thick grass mats is no problem at all .
“ i just can ’ t cover much water in a kayak .”
With the advent of pedal drives and motors designed for kayaks , the issue of being confined to a small area of a fishery is a thing of the past . Most every kayak manufacturer has developed a pedal drive system of their own , which can greatly increase your fishing range .
A pedal drive also makes fishing much more efficient , too , as you ’ re able to cover water and cast at the same time , eliminating the need to put your rod down while paddling from spot to spot .
If you typically fish from a bass boat , an electric motor might be more your speed . Manufacturers have begun developing boats that are designed to easily add a motor — and many companies have products designed to adapt a motor to just about any kayak . Whether you want a sternmounted electric outboard like the Torqeedo Ultralight 1103 ( a 3-horsepower equivalent motor with GPS-enabled battery ), or a bow-mounted trolling motor using a lightweight lithium battery like the Dakota 100ah , the options are endless to get you away from the launch ramp and back safely . The size of water you ’ re able to fish increases as well , thanks to pedal drives and motors . With the right safety gear , kayaks allow an angler to fish offshore on big fisheries . In the fall , one of my favorite places to fish offshore is on Lake Erie , chasing after big smallmouth . I ’ ll often go 2 miles offshore to get to productive areas , and having a motor and pedals gives me peace of mind that I can get back quickly if the conditions change , as they so often do out on big open waters .
52 MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM | JUNE-JULY 2021