How to Pick a Fishing Kayak - Basics of Fishing Kayaks

[@LovingIdaho]

I kept changing kayaks until i bought a feelfree lure 11.5 in 2016 . I have been loving it every since. No complaints at all .

[@FishingwithNat]

Awesome. I've heard good things about the Lure.

[@mektrix8887]

4:33 that footage of the strike was AWESOME!! Great video!

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks - I love that clip :)

[@zheros81]

Looking to grab my first fishing kayak this year and your video was super informative!

[@FishingwithNat]

Excellent - glad to hear that. Thanks for the comment.

[@andreasspyrou7688]

@@FishingwithNat Hi, can i ask you about one kayak and you tell me your view on it for ocean ?

[@FishingwithNat]

@@andreasspyrou7688 Of course. I don't live near the ocean, but I have been out on the Great Lakes many times and other large water bodies.

[@andreasspyrou7688]

@@FishingwithNat is about Harman kayak from Vicking

[@FishingwithNat]

@@andreasspyrou7688 I've never heard of Vicking kayaks, but I looked it up on their website. I couldn't find a weight of the Harman kayak, which has a big influence on stability in rough water like oceans. A heavier kayak tends to be more stable. It looks wide enough for decent stability and has plenty of room. The rudder looks pretty small so it might not have very good turning response and may have a hard time navigating in waves or currents. It's impossible to know how well the pedal drive system is built, so it would be nice to test-drive one first to see how it feels. The description on their website says it comes with 6 aluminum rails but none of the photos show the rails. I assume they mean rails for mounting accessories like rod holders, sonar, phone holders, etc. I like that it has a large front hatch and four flush-mounted rod holders. The website doesn't list a price either - do you know what they cost?

[@elys9509]

This was an EPIC video

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the feedback

[@lakeforkwiring]

Thanks Nat ... great info ... I am looking to buy my 1st Kayak ... looks awesome.

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks - feel free to ask questions as you narrow down your kayak choice. I've been kayak fishing for 20 years now on everything from shallow puddles to the Great Lakes.

[@jaggerthejag3694]

Great vid man! Perfect explanation & demonstration haha

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks - I appreciate the feedback!

[@dislikebutton5291]

Already caught a few bass from my old bright pink pelican kayak. Whatever gets you out on the lake the soonest is the best fishing kayak

[@FishingwithNat]

Sometimes the simplest way is the best way. You certainly don't need a fancy kayak to catch a fish.

[@tinoprovenzano7702]

Awesome video. Simple to understand and helpful

[@FishingwithNat]

I appreciate the comment - thank you

[@pauls2731]

Very helpful video - thank you! And nice walleye!

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the comment

[@freddyj5845]

😂the love this vid! I enjoy your channel because I don’t feel like you’re trying to sell me stuff! You give out the info and allow me to make a big boy decision lol.

[@FishingwithNat]

You got it. You won't find me pushing products because someone paid me to say it. I like to be free to say whatever I truly believe, not what a company wants me to say.

[@siwula9patrick]

Great video Paul! Awesome underwater footage as always

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mickmickers5171]

Awesome video man!

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the comment.

[@franklloyd96]

So, the seller experienced challenges with the great interruption in the supply chain, but never gave up in getting me the kayak. Great integrity and we’re always kind and helpful…

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for watching.

[@orangef3802]

Great stuff as usual! Thank you!

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks

[@cs512tr]

great video and details thankyou

[@FishingwithNat]

Glad you liked it - thanks

[@208BASSIN]

I’m getting my first Kayak this month it’s the first one for $150 from somone I’m excited to catch fishing while using it

[@FishingwithNat]

Awesome. What kind is it?

[@208BASSIN]

@@FishingwithNat it’s a SunDolphin Sit in one. I’m looking for a fish finder for it a cheap one tho but I can’t find any

[@FishingwithNat]

@@208BASSIN Look into the Garmin Striker4. It's pretty inexpensive and lightweight, and only needs a small battery.

[@208BASSIN]

@@FishingwithNat I will

[@Fishinwithpride96]

Getting my first kayak this come up Friday $150 from someone only used twice

[@ComradeChyrk]

Have you checked out the pakfish 7? Its an inflatable fishing boat that you can stand in, deflates and fits in a backpack which is great for people like me who doesnt have a car that can carry a kayak, and its only about 500$.

[@FishingwithNat]

Sounds cool. I do not have any experience with that one.

[@LightspeedTutorials]

Moved to Sweden, Oresund staight, which connects Baltic sea to North sea. 4km-10km wide (kind of like great lakes). Climate is pretty much the same as well, a bit milder winters (it rarely snows or is below freezing) and colder summers, and lots of wind all year around. Also significant shifting currents. To get to 30-50m depth where the cod is, you wither buy a boat, which is out of question at the moment or .. maybe get a kayak. I was just wondering, how viable is kayak, considering the climate, the depth of water and wind. I have never seen a kayak fishing video in +5C and 10m/s wind, which is the baseline conditions 8 months a year. There is also a bay with rocks not far away, which might protect from western winds and provide access to steep drops close to shore.

[@FishingwithNat]

I go kayak fishing in the snow and wind with my PDL120 and my Predator MX. I was trolling crankbaits right along an ice shelf this spring. I have done that in my Perception Hook too, but only in calm water and light winds. The PDL and Predator can handle high winds, currents, etc. no problem. If you are going out in cold water, you should always have a dry bag with a full set of warm clothes just in case you went in or you got hit with a large wave that got you all wet. It's also smart to practice re-entering a kayak in warm conditions so you know how to get back in if you ever end up overboard on accident.

[@LightspeedTutorials]

thank you!

[@FishingwithNat]

@@LightspeedTutorials You're welcome - good luck!

[@kaoticmind09]

I want to take my 4 year old fishing and just kayaking. A tandem makes sense ya? Perception kayaks has one that's just a bit more expensive than the single.

[@FishingwithNat]

Do you have a kayak yet or are you looking to buy your first one? A single-seat kayak can work well with a small kid in front of you. Honestly, upgrading to the Predator MX was a great decision to get my kids out with me. It was easier to have a shared space to help them rather than the kid having their own seat and space within a tandem kayak. My PDL120 works great for that too but is certainly more pricey.

[@kaoticmind09]

@@FishingwithNat I don't have one yet so it would be the first. Interesting idea about a single with the kid right there...

[@FishingwithNat]

@@kaoticmind09 Yeah, leaning way over to reach to the second seat would be difficult. Having the kid right with you can be easier to keep them centered for balance, and also to help them cast or anything else.

[@ordinarycitizenn]

Is it silly to learn fishing and kayaking at the same time? I want to learn how to fish but I also don't want to just stand or sit for hours. I like the idea of integrating exercise so kayak fishing sounds awesome

[@FishingwithNat]

Not silly at all. Get yourself a basic kayak and a rod or two and you can have a ton of fun and get good exercise. If you get tired of paddling, take a break to fish. If the fish aren't biting, do more paddling!

[@ordinarycitizenn]

@@FishingwithNat you're the man, thanks

[@FishingwithNat]

@@ordinarycitizenn I actually really appreciate the exercise of kayak fishing. I don't think I'll ever have a motorized kayak because of that.

[@stevegunn9971]

Very good, thanks!

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks - glad you enjoyed it

[@DaDrakster]

Hey Nat, I know this is an old vid but I'm looking to buy my first fishing kayak. I was wondering if the predator MX could go on a roof rack on a smaller car? I don't have a truck and I def want the stability of the Predator. The idea of a prop on it doesn't appeal too much since it can break and limits you compared to just a paddle kayak. I guess the main question is if I just have a smaller car, is the Predator worth it as a solo fisher? Like would it be easy to get on and off of the roof of the car and what not?

[@FishingwithNat]

The Predator MX is pretty heavy to put on top of a car. It might be ok if you are transporting it flat on top of the car but I would not try to put it on J-hooks on a roof rack. That would be very difficult. There are lighter kayaks that are similar to the MX that might be easier to get on top of a car, or you could look at something like the Perception Hook included in this video, which is easy to lift onto the roof of a car.

[@DaDrakster]

@@FishingwithNat I see. Thanks for the tips.

[@ramazanhoxha4265]

good stuff

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks

[@mitchellportee150]

I'm really interested in learning more about these . Im 6'4 and 310lbs . I live in South Carolina and want one to use in streams and ponds . what would you recommend ?

[@FishingwithNat]

You're going to want a heavy, wide kayak for the best stability. I'd look for something with a minimum 34" width, 36" would be better. A heavier kayak will also help keep your center of gravity lower.

[@mitchellportee150]

Thank you for that info . I really appreciate you .

[@FishingwithNat]

@@mitchellportee150 Glad I could help - good luck

[@Beginner_tackle]

I need a kayak that’s not too expensive,but had lots of storage room and a strong frame ( plastic,Metal)

[@FishingwithNat]

Something like the Predator MX is probably what you're looking for. You can find cheaper kayaks that are about the same size with similar features, but they will tend to have thinner plastic. That makes them lighter, but also more brittle and susceptible to cracking.

[@Beginner_tackle]

@@FishingwithNat thank you so much!

[@Beginner_tackle]

@@FishingwithNat oh can it fit a pedal motor just asking?

[@FishingwithNat]

@@Beginner_tackle I'm not sure but it might be able to accommodate a mounting plate on the back for a motor with foot controls. The back end is pretty flat behind the tankwell.

[@Beginner_tackle]

@@FishingwithNat eh I’m new to kayaking so I think it will work for me without it

[@thelonelyseal6969]

I just bought a Pelican Catch Mode 110, what’s your thought on this affordable fishing kayak?

[@FishingwithNat]

For the price, it's hard to beat. I'd say it ranks similarly to the Perception Hook covered in this video, but the Mode 110 offers the ability to stand and has some additional features beyond what the Hook can offer. It looks like a nice, capable kayak for the price.

[@BWStudios2001]

I think ill get that walleye kayak if you dont mind me.

[@FishingwithNat]

Good choice 😆

[@derickdouangnouanexay]

I went from 10ft pelican challenger 100xp to a 12ft eddy gear stingray xl and lastly perception outlaw 11.5 I still have my other 2 for when my friend want to go out fishing with me 😂😂😂 now I just need a trailer to haul 3 kayaks

[@FishingwithNat]

Yep I keep all of my previous ones around to let friends use them and because the previous ones are still better for certain situations.

[@BankAssasin]

How was the pelican kayak im 6’1 and wiegh 180 pounds

[@BankAssasin]

Whats the good thing nd bad thing of the pelican kayak cause i been look at it for a while now

[@Daniel-xu9cs]

Could you put a trolling motor on a hook angler

[@FishingwithNat]

I wouldn't. I think it would sit really low and plow a lot of water. Plus there isn't a good spot to store a large enough battery.

[@rrfishing2865]

Hey.. on the thumbnail, the sixth one isn’t a kayak!

[@FishingwithNat]

Wait...it's not? 😆

[@JazzDayday]

Where does one buy a kayak

[@FishingwithNat]

A lot of sporting goods stores sell them. The more specialized kayaks are usually only available through large outdoor retailers.

[@syko6943]

What’s a good sit on top beginner fishing kayak budget is roughly 300-700$

[@FishingwithNat]

I'd look at something like a Lifetime Teton Pro 11.5. Those are usually about $600 and have flush-mount rod holders, gear tracks, and a big rear tank well. I haven't used one of these personally, but they look decent for the price. Stability will not be as good as something like the Predator MX or PDL120 that I showed in this video, but it should be pretty good and probably adequate to stand up while fishing.

[@syko6943]

@@FishingwithNat I seen many people recommend those ,do you think it’d be more beneficial to save for something like the Old town PDL?

[@rollypollyguy3976]

In the thumbnail you see several kayaks. Anyone know the brand of the 6th kayak?

[@FishingwithNat]

That's a rare one. Very hard to find in stores...

[@rollypollyguy3976]

@FishingwithNat HA HA HA fantastic answer

[@fredrikolsson.]

Nice video! I also fish from a kayak, a really simple sit-in type, a Seabird Åfjord, 12 fot long, with a rudder. It is light weight and easy to paddle. I am not sure I want to step up to the larger sit on tops. What do you think? -is it worth that extra weight snd money? Informative video👍

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks. I still use my Perception Hook in certain areas because it is so lightweight, quiet, and easy to paddle. I have a crate in the back so I can still take an anchor, multiple rods, and some other gear. It works great. But I will say that I prefer my Predator MX or PDL if the habitat is suitable for it. Those are more comfortable for long days and offer a lot of advantages. I didn't like the weight of those two larger kayaks when I got them, but the advantages are greater than the disadvantage of the weight & mobility issue. I'm happy with my decision to buy and keep all three of those for different uses.

[@DDVSKK]

Hey, just as a question is it better to buy new or used? And if so where should I look for new and besides Facebook marketplace is there any used kayak/fishing websites?

[@FishingwithNat]

You can find some good deals if you buy used. It's fairly easy to find basic used kayaks around because they are so popular, but if you're looking for more specialized, high-end kayaks like the Sportsman PDLs or Hobie ProAnglers, you'll have a hard time finding those. There are some kayak fishing groups on Facebook where you can often find those for sale. To buy them new, you'll have to look for large sporting goods stores or paddling stores, usually in bigger cities. You can also find them online but shipping is very expensive. Basic kayaks can be bought new at most sporting goods stores.

[@WilliamBarron-v5g]

Nat, very informative and exceptionally clear as usual. I am looking to purchase my first fishing kayak. I am a smaller person, 72 yrs old, with no truck. I am thinking about an inflatable given their light weight and portability. Do you think something like the Aquaglide Blackfoot 130 would be a good choice for someone like me? Thanks!

[@FishingwithNat]

I don't have any experience with inflatables, but I know they have come a long way in recent years. The low weight is great, and newer models appear to be very stable, puncture-resistant, and very customizable with built-in accessory mounts. The Blackfoot 130 does look like a pretty neat kayak. A plastic kayak with a similar weight would probably be a 10-11ft sit-in model like the Perception Hook/Sound I mentioned in this video. You could also look into the Hobie Lynx as a lightweight, pedal-drive option, but they are much more expensive. I'd say go for it and let me know how you like it!

[@WilliamBarron-v5g]

@@FishingwithNat Thanks very much for your prompt and thoughtful reply.

[@FishingwithNat]

@@WilliamBarron-v5g Happy to help. Good luck and enjoy your new kayak, whichever you end up buying!

[@papadonskeifacesingtv]

wow beautifull kayacht

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks

[@Allyourbase1990]

I live right next to a lake now and can’t afford a bass boat 😂😂 so I’m looking for a kayak around $500

[@FishingwithNat]

I love my Perception Hook and it is around that price. I would like into something like that or a basic sit-on-top to get yourself into kayak fishing.

[@Jzmxy]

Could you help me buy my new kayak it’s 50$

[@FishingwithNat]

That's a steal - what kind of kayak are you getting for $50?

[@Jzmxy]

@@FishingwithNat no it’s 150$

[@FishingwithNat]

@@Jzmxy It will be much sweeter when you buy it with money you earned.

[@Jzmxy]

@@FishingwithNat pk

[@EdwardKelly-vi9sg]

I DONT KNOW WHY YOU DON'T SHOW THE PELICAN MODE 110...ITS ONLY $799...HAS ALL THE GOOD STUFF...VERY STABLE...NONE OF YOU GUYS EVER COMPARE IT...YOUR MISSING OUT...just saying

[@FishingwithNat]

There are tons of options out there - I had access to the five fishing kayaks shown in this video and they represented the whole spectrum from very cheap to very expensive. The Pelican Mode 110 would be in a similar category to the Perception Hook shown in this video.

[@Superkuh2]

The right fishing kayak is a single person canoe.

[@FishingwithNat]

That's another great option!

[@NIP28]

.. im learnin

[@NIP28]

Why u say that?

[@Vasher-The-Destroyer]

One day is gonna find a way too get these under 59 or 69 dollars Or at least something an average person could buy without busting the bank

[@FishingwithNat]

You can get a fairly simple kayak for about $200 or look for a used kayak. I've seen decent used ones for ~$100. They won't be anything special but they will get you on the water.

[@Vasher-The-Destroyer]

@@FishingwithNat ya honestly I'm tired fishing in places were I can't get to the fish

[@unstoppablegameplays]

Jesus Christ loves you ❤

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for watching.

[@harperseth]

Jesus Christ is Lord. He loves you too. God bless you forever.

[@dmeddina5880]

Amén 🙏

[@jarrettschoenfeldt608]

Jesus Christ loves these nuts

[@AvGeek646]

This guy is using Jesus to get likes that is a sin

[@Angelyn_lol37]

How do i find fish kayak from the thumbnail

[@FishingwithNat]

Those strange kayaks live near the bottom in rocky habitats. You can't buy them...you can only catch them.

[@gregory3108]

Right on the 💰 again I just seen on KZbin iCast 2022 trade show, and I figure it out quickly- Nat fishing habits will not harm your wallet , so folks listen to me, before you loose your mind (buying new toys) before you will reach for a second mortgage, cool down and carefully scout / plan/ what exactly you may need? In deed ...plan and prospect ahead of time, ABC...like A =Area and watershed access , B- bait presentation C =casting - Combination of (your rig preferences,fishing gear reel calibration ) if you are watching Nat’s KZbin documentary you may save yourselves a big disappointment, suggesting recipes are here , free of charge , so please try to be sober- if ABC steps will fail on you ..letter D may follow ( disaster ,divorce😅) no shame to run on moderate budget while by end of the day you will figure out how to run your own reality fishing trip ...kayaking or dingy boat 🚣‍♀️ or else? Fishing often takes more time to think / prep job and not all of us poses the actual ability to ,,be patient “ and cautious with $ ...

[@FishingwithNat]

Haha glad you enjoyed the video