The Ultimate Kayak Fishing Guide - Beginner Tips

[@BeardedDadFishing]

If you are looking to upgrade your battery setup, check out the reliable and affordable LiTime batteries here - geni.us/FR6NJ0Y

[@nicklloyd9165]

Something that many kayakers miss... know self rescue and practice how to get back into your boat. It's not as easy at it sounds and it will make you rethink your deck rigging. Cold water can kill any one of any age. Dig your channel BD.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Good call! Completely agree brother!

[@alpaca7886]

At 56 years old and 250 lbs my priority was stability and capacity for my weight and gear weight. Pedal drive was a must. So helpful in dealing with wind and boat positioning. I went with a Big Fish 108 based on one of your videos. It is heavy but I set it up to be able to move it by myself. I am now able to fish areas I can’t take my boat. I thank you for your videos especially the ones stressing safety. Safety is so overlooked in the boating world. Always look forward to the dad jokes.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for sharing and watching! Glad you’re on the water with your big fish 108! Tight lines friend!

[@kennifer8262]

I’m 62 and a couple of months ago I purchased a Lifetime Yukon Angler, I decided I needed a new hobby 😂. I was at least smart enough to get out on the water a few times before making some modifications, and yes, I learned the hard way that my kayak is too heavy to take in and out of my pickup, so now I’m modifying my trailer. Love your channel, I should’ve watched this video before I started. Lol.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

That's awesome! It's never too late to try something new. 😁

[@pdfahie]

I think “the buy your second kayak first” is the most difficult advice to follow. Buying a $2,500 kayak without ever fishing in a kayak is quite a leap of faith. I think buying a $300 kayak, realizing that you do/don’t enjoy the kayak fishing experience is a good expenditure. Also, you can decide if you want pedal drive, a motor, or even both.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Fair assessment. On the flip side, a lot of guys regret going cheaper the first time around. But there are ways to go about it. Ex. Buy used, get an upgradable model, etc.

[@pdfahie]

@@BeardedDadFishing I agree that once they have some kayak experience, many realize going cheaper isn’t the final answer. But getting an expensive kayak without knowing exactly what you want could be an even more costly mistake. I completely agree that borrowing or trying out kayaks before purchasing would be the best bet.

[@Alex-km7fi]

I bought a used $240 dollar lifetime tamarack and I love it and I would recommend others do the same buy buying a cheaper kayak first

[@Raddy_N]

I agree with this… I don’t understand the whole buy your second kayak first thing. You can get a used kayak for 200 dollars or so and once you use it, you can decide wether it’s for you or not pretty quickly and if you decide to sell it you can get most of your money back.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

@@Raddy_N purchasing a cheaper kayak can also ruin an otherwise great experience. Doesn’t mean buy a $4k kayak out the gate, but don’t go cheapest available. A $200 kayak will not offer anything in the way of comfort, stability or fishability versus a $750/$1k kayak can. A $200 is actually quite unrealistic. I say the same for bait casters. A cheap one will not function in the way that will make you want to learn it or utilize it.

[@ssei2001]

Valuable information Jay. I agree, do your research before purchasing your kayak shop around and go demo it as well if you can. I found a used one owner 2021 Topwater PDL 120 all the specs of a Sportsman PDL 120 except for the seat and deck pads. I got a great deal on it for $1700. And yes, this baby is HEAVY I plan to build a storage cart and purchase a heavy-duty kayak cart. Tight lines bro.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Glad you got a great deal! Used is the way to go in a lot of cases. I picked up my autopilot 136 for $1500 off retail 🙌🏽 Thanks for watching!

[@GeorgiaKayakAngler]

Ive been blessed so far. I inherited a 10 foot trailer from my dad. It works perfect so far

[@GeorgiaKayakAngler]

My casting bar from NuCanoe came today. That will help tremendously I hope. Looks like it will anyway. I have a few other accessories to get then I’ll be ready to get out on the water

[@duntelltv9922]

Honest Opinion Big fish 108 VS Old Town Sportman 120 PDL THX

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Personally I’d take the old town ALL DAY. Faster, lighter and stable as heck. But also more expensive. Big fish is still a great choice if budget is the primary goal.

[@southwestindianaoutdooradv4714]

Great video and I feel like buying that second kayak first is definitely key!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Yes sir! Thanks for watching 🙏🏽

[@GeorgiaKayakAngler]

I bought a U10 yesterday. I’m definitely waiting on extras. I’ll be paddling for a good while. Planning on getting a trolling motor later

[@yourwrong6125]

the only mod i would suggest upgrading immediately is your seat situation. Proper back support makes a huge difference in your kayaking experience.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

I don’t disagree. A good cushion will go a long way!

[@sirtango1]

I saw that before I ever sat in my kayak. I bought a stadium seat with armrests that recline in 6 positions. 😂

[@davidlewis9572]

I bought a 10 Lifetime Tamarack first ……..fished it two years ……HooDoo120 Impulse now . I fish tournaments and this pedal/ fin drive makes all the difference

[@AntonioMartinez-kx9qz]

Oh I forgot ur channel is awesome and the info u provide is very informative and u seem to be a very cool person

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks brother 🙏🏽 Glad it is helpful!

[@guymcknight415]

Great informative video! Buying your second kayak is key. Figured out I would end up being a minimalist I purchased a RS117 first(weigh,stability,limited mobility,age) fell into the decision. The money I saved enabled me to buy a 10 ft Hoodoo for a throw and go. Then my wife got interested in kayaking and kids got into kayaking,so we purchased a 10x12 utility trailer and modified it to carry 4 kayaks. This year I’ll probably put a simple trolling motor setup on the RS and possibly a garmin striker.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

There you go! Great choices. Thanks for watching my guy!

[@rubenakacoolerlid2314]

Really useful information. Thank you as always

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching brother 🙏🏽

[@anthonyletourneau2696]

No joke on the weight thing. In the short time I’ve had my yak, I’m already over car topping lol. I see a trailer in my future very soon

[@BeardedDadFishing]

You won’t regret getting a trailer. Easiest way to do it 👌🏽

[@vincentcomly7207]

Learning how to fish is the key. You can always forgo a kayak a get a aluminum v boat or a flat bottom Jon boat

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Whatever gets ya on the water is the winner in my eyes 🏆

[@TripleB23]

You should make a video on the different ways to load kayaks on roofs, and how to strap one down with a typical stock roof rack... like what's on a rental mini van (hint hint). Also, explore straps for roof racks. Should have another video on rental kayaks- what is and is not needed. Questions to ask kayaks rental places. I'm seriously considering buying a used kayak- considering that renting one is roughly $160-180 for 2 days or so (fishing kayak). Be just as good to buy one and use it and then resell it or take it back home. Video on budget seats and good seats??

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Good call! Taking notes!

[@MaineStreamFishing]

Couple things…. 1st biggest thing.. BUY ONCE CRY ONCE!! 2nd don’t feel obligated to do it all at once! Get the vessel then go from there and add on over the years.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

💯

[@ghostface423]

Good stuff thank you very much for the info.

[@roberttolley5055]

New member, I got the 300.00 kayak. All stuff. I just up graded to the pelican catch pro 100, I can't swim. My wife will use the 300.00 that's now 450.00 how crazy. I've never got on water 2 years wife hurt neck. I'm ready. Was on lake Erie in 8 to 10 ft waves . In 14 foot boat . I'm learning the kayak s.

[@caroferg8857]

Thanks I needed this. Am looking to mod and/or get another yak among other things. Whether hubby likes it or not ;)

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Haha he has to go along with it either way 😎 Thanks for watching Caro!

[@BucktailFishing]

Real good video! It will really help people make their decisions without rose colored glasses.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Yes sir that’s what I’m hoping. You know how deep this rabbit hole goes. Thanks for watching my guy 🤙🏽

[@BucktailFishing]

@@BeardedDadFishing you’re welcome. If it’s a rabbit hole just call me Elmer Fudd 😂

[@BeardedDadFishing]

@@BucktailFishing 😂😂

[@johnkieffer4525]

Just bought the old town epdl 1st and last hopefully

[@rvfishingyet]

Buy that 2nd kayak 1st. This has been coming through louder and clearer for me along with transport. Want to start with a 12 foot autopilot…but still out of the truck bed to start out. Trailer eventually…. Lol

[@BeardedDadFishing]

You’ll love that 120 brother. Perfect size. Look up the dynamic dolly that folks are using. Looks crazy convenient to launch. Thanks for watching!

[@GoVentureTexas]

Thanks for the tips

[@josephpecoraro2788]

BD really like your fast informative channel you now got me thinking about a trailer now that I going to invest in a Old Town 106 all electric any chance you can do a video on different trailer and why you picked yours.

[@BeardedDadFishing]

I appreciate you bro! You’ll love that 106. I’ll put something together with my trailer in a couple of weeks. I’ve got to dig it out of the snow ❄️😂

[@tombuchanan3971]

hello like your channel you share a lot of good information i will be retiring soon and plan maybe to get a kayak for some pond lake inshore and maybe a little close offshore fishing been looking at different models and the perception outlaw seems to fit what i need can you tell me the pros and cons of it or if another model may be better i do plan on putting a stern drive motor and hand steering the pedal drive ones will not work for me due to an ankle injury i have can not hold up to pedaling all day thanks on any help you can give and keep the shows coming i enjoy them

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks for watching Tom. Check out our Facebook group Kayak Fishing Dads. Lots of great advice given there and you can post your questions too 👍🏽

[@tombuchanan3971]

@@BeardedDadFishing thanks for the quick reply been checking out the kayak fishing dad page do you know of a place south ms or al that i could go and demo different ones

[@BeardedDadFishing]

@@tombuchanan3971 unfortunately I do not know

[@fanminwang2314]

Thanks for the video. Quick question. For choosing the kayak material, I see like LLDPE and HDPE. should I always go for HDPE? Or the LLDPE PLASTIC can work as well?

[@BeardedDadFishing]

@@fanminwang2314 HDPE is the way to go. All major manufacturers will use it and its rigidity is much better.

[@fanminwang2314]

@@BeardedDadFishing darn it! I got one is LLDPE LOL. Saddddd

[@BeardedDadFishing]

@@fanminwang2314 hey man if you got it use it! Pelican uses mostly LDPE and those last for a while

[@fanminwang2314]

@@BeardedDadFishing such a relief!!!!! I really love your content ! So helpful!

[@AlexOnTheWater]

well done

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Thanks brother 🙏🏽

[@AntonioMartinez-kx9qz]

Good evening I’m reaching out to u for some input u can get from ur fellow kayaking fisherman u seem to have a large friend network here’s my question I have an sportsman106MK I’m 60 yrs old and have herniated disc in my lower back and with the battery it’s lithium and motor and backpack filled with lures it’s getting harder for me to load and off load my yak from my truck I was thinking of switching over to an oldtown106pdl will it be good for me to pedal with my back can u reach out to ur fishing community and ask what they think it would be great to get some hands on input from them thank you

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Hey Antonio. If you’re on Facebook, join our group called Kayak Fishing Dads. Lots of knowledge on there. My first thought is that pedaling will put pressure on your lower back, since the pedals sit in front of you, rather than below you. Can you look into a trailer? Or if not, take a look at the dynamic dollies (dynamicdollies.com) and see if one of those are feasible. Hope that helps. Feel free to reach out anytime!

[@Dragon1165]

Still looking. Want my first to be here for a while.

[@kentweed7507]

Great info! Thanks

[@davidlewis9572]

Why do you have green lights on both side bow ? No Red n Green ?

[@BeardedDadFishing]

You only need red and green for motorized vessels. This is on my PDL.

[@davidlewis9572]

@@BeardedDadFishing I’ve got red n green on all mine …..old habit from powerboat days .

[@johnsimpson8876]

Im 64 just retired im 5'7 254lb I decided to get the Vibe shearwater 125 does anyone have one and tell me about it

[@taymansadventures3609]

I got a Joke. If you like, funny, fish, puns, let me minnow. 😅😅😅😂

[@terryhancock]

Why don't you do it during sno

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Too cold 🥶

[@Justtoona]

lol my kayak is 50lbs and is indeed intended for anglers

[@BucktailFishing]

🫑🏹🌶️ 😂

[@magicalmidget9731]

I don't get why you have to have all that crap with a kayak,get in the kayak one pole small tackle and your good who cares go have fun, not on a dang mission he he

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Everyone has their own style

[@TheRyDesigns]

first vid of the year, let's go!!

[@BeardedDadFishing]

Yesssirrrrr appreciate you bro! 😎