My FIRST Kayak Trip EVER (You're Gonna Hate Me!)

[@thekracken4572]

Pedal drive is the way to go for fishing.

[@Grimey_Fishing]

You did better frogging from a kayak on your first day than I did in an entire season! Good job, Debo, and thanks for getting out of your comfort zone for our entertainment. 👊

[@Jason-416]

Kayak fishing takes time to get use to Debo. Once you get use to it, I’m sure you’ll love it too

[@bayouburner281]

Pros and cons on kayak fishing but I love it-Less is more on a yak imo, 6 rods and 5 Plano boxes is unnecessary. I usually take 3 or less. One small box for tackle, I use a soft side cooler with 3 rod holders like a “crate”for other stuff.

[@richardsousa2625]

I loooove kayak fishing. Tinkering with my kayak has become a hobby in itself. Get used to softer hook sets or just a little more time in the yak and you’ll gain your confidence. They’re more stable than you think.

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

Debo gonna show Greg Blanchard how it's done 😅

[@chasinggorditas1387]

😂❤

[@DEBOSFishing]

Show him how what's done? Clearly, it won't be how to fish out of a yak 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@FishinwithGRAMPS]

LOL, of course Debo's first yak fish in on a frog! Can't tell you how happy I was to see you give this a shot. As with anything, it's just time on the water and you get used to it, kind of like the learning curve in the jon boat when you first got it.

[@MrSeanWesty]

Welcome to the Dark Side!! I love bank fishing, don’t get me wrong but there’s nothing like the freedom of a kayak.

[@fishingangler4315]

Kayak fishing is awesome. It's the difference between being stuck at bank fishing spots with very little access and being able to get out there and get after them. Helps to have a sturdy wide based kayak.

[@B.A.Bassangler]

Definitely a learning curve for fishing styles, gear choices/modifications, and kayak setup. It took me 3 years and a lot of time in the shop to dial mine in, lol, not complaining but not for everyone. Go buy a $500 sit-inside with 2 rod holders, add a stakeout pole and stay shallow and enjoy the day...save up for more boat-stuff, maybe a Debo-TinyBoatNation colab???

[@LostInTackle]

Lifetime Yak

[@anonacleaner]

I saw you set the hook on that first one and I thought, yep he;s gonna be hooked, forgetting how awkward it was my first few trips and how little room I felt like I had to move, even how to position my feet and paddle right. But you nailed the appeal factor, like dead on, being at water level and having every tip of the paddle make a huge difference in your movement. Its just a more personal connection with the water and the fish for me.. Fast forward 12 years, as a tournament kayak angler fishing from a 5k+ piece of plastic (with motor, peddles, electronics, lights and even tunes ), its easy to forget just how unstable I felt at first, and how nothing felt natural.. but I understand it may not be the same for everyone, and you can say now that you gave it a fair chance. I have a 21 ft boat Id sell ya in a heart beat to fund my next kayak, I haven't used it for a few years now...

[@awesomeozzycat9953]

Had a yak, upgraded to a canoe, bought a boat. Boat is much more fun, relaxing, comfortable. Also able to bring several setups.

[@dolloff33]

An anchor trolley will keep you facing where you want. It is a must if you don't have a pedal kayak.

[@emptyh1145]

Glad you got to experience the kayak life. That is all I do and love it. If I was in your situation I wouldn't want to spring for a kayak either. They are not cheap, but a boat is a boat.

[@cjn8730]

Pelican Intruder is a 12ft. 48 inch wide jonboat constructed with Ram-X super heavy duty plastic. I call it an oversized kayak. Weighs only 100 pounds empty, but I've added 5K in accessories including 24 rod holders. Totally rigged for night fishing. Like you, love all the extra room and i can stand easily. Thought about a kayak, but the Pelican makes way more sense. Great video Debo.

[@Cornelius798]

Debo & Dizzle in the same Yak...Priceless!

[@JJ-pg4ud]

YES!!!!! I started in a paddle kayak and upgraded to pedal; be happy it wasn’t windy at all or you move even more.

[@pdfahie]

Kayak with paddle definitely tricky. I think the peddle type would be much more enjoyable. I went from cheap kayak to 10’ pond prowler. Probably much stability than even your aluminum kayak and plenty of storage also. I have a nice 45 lb trolling motor and a jet ski trailer to tow it. The trailer is a necessity for me, boat is pretty heavy when all loaded. I feel like I have the best of both worlds. I think for you, getting anything but a 14’-16’ jon boat would feel like a step down.

[@johngoss3997]

Welcome to the kayak feeshin gang

[@910Volcomsnow]

My kayak sat for almost a year after I took it out the first time lol personally,, it’s so much easier to just grab 2 rods and my bag and go bank fishing. However, I am putting more time in the yak this year for sure, but mainly saltwater inner Harbor fishing for spotties.

[@fatguybassin8046]

Don’t blame you. Go with what you know. I’m 100% bank fishing but have been on a boat some and I still feel uneasy. 😅😅 always enjoy the content 🎣🎣🔥🔥

[@Little_B]

I fish from a sit in kayak,no standing,I love it. My sit in kayak is about 60lbs,I sometimes have to carry it somewhat far to get to the water.Throw it in the bed of my truck,strap it in and go. Great video Debo!

[@cantcatch_sht]

It takes some getting use too, but having the right kayak for your needs is awesome.

[@HawkFishingandOutdoors]

Yo it finally happened! My man is out on a kayak! I had/still have an SS107 so it's very similar to what you were in. I promise you that thing won't flip on you , but it definitely takes some getting used to. Positioning, figuring out how your kayak moves, and your own comfort def have a lot to do with it. It takes a while to figure everything out but man it's great. The kayak motors def aint cheap, but man are they awesome to have! Anytime you wanna talk about it more, send me a msg!

[@imboredidid1]

my uncle has a fleet of pedal kayaks, and i love fishing on those whenever i visit him. I like that the pedals keep things relatively hands free. I have a deep respect for anyone that can manage a paddle and a rod at the same time. once you practice your balance, I found that being able to stand in a kayak was a huge advantage when using certain techniques. just so i seem impartial, my two biggest kayak cons: 1. hooking extra rods behind you during a cast 😑2. WIND!!!!!!🤬

[@Oldbasshole]

Like everyone else has said , it definitely takes a little getting used to . I’ve got an inexpensive sit on yak from a box store and never thought I’d be able to stand in it . 2 years later , I’m standing . Lol a net is also very helpful in the yak .

[@JoshB-Fishin]

Nice to see you got out in one and caught some fish! I’ll 100% agree, not every model is for everyone. I could see you doing a tinyboatnation John boat build though!

[@PatrickMarbury]

My man! Glad you decided to get out and at least try fishing from a kayak! As a kayak angler myself, it takes a little getting used to but worth spending the time learning it. Next step is getting you out on a Hobie PA 12 or 14 and getting the feel of being able to stand up without worrying about it. I’m pretty sure you could do a hand stand in mine! 😜🎣

[@PatrickMarbury]

Also, I have a War Eagle 848 LDV 18’6” boat setup for fishing for sale if you are looking. 🎣

[@charlieperkins1395]

Love my SS 127, with trolling motor and paddles for big water and paddles only for smaller water. It does take getting used to.

[@DaveWashburn]

Hey Debo, got my 1st kayak last Xmas with the purpose of getting to those spots that have no boat access or minimal bank. There’s definitely a learning curve there for us bank, Jon boat anglers. Just like anything fishing, it boils down to preference & time on the water.

[@SlothySeconds]

Getting a pfd that holds your phone is a life saver. Also pedal drive is night and day difference. Not to mention the higher end kayaks are stupid stable.

[@rvfishingyet]

Great way to get the first yak fish! Frog for the win. Bonafide is a great one I hear. Great seeing you in a Yak.

[@134rwa]

In my first time kayak fishing, I loved it, I could get into places that a boat couldn't go, in some spots it was like paddling in the bath tub, Haha. I also don't chance standing up, but wait until you hook a fish big enough to pull you around, talk about a thrill ride, Haha.

[@PaytonHatfield86]

After my 3rd kayak trip, it's crazy how much more comfortable I am than my first trip, and I'm a very big dude (6'5" 365). That being said if I had room for a boat I would have gotten a boat. A kayak works better for me to get off the bank. An anchor really helps, too

[@patrickhartman6818]

Anchor for sure lol

[@Exploremorefishing]

As a new kayak angler I can totally relate to everything you were talking about when you first got on , however you do get used to it and the worries fade away ..that's when the fun begins

[@baldyhead1]

Awesome . Lol. Glad to see you are trying what "boatless anglers" use if we aren't shore fishing. I have the perception outlaw kayak . Super stable . Definitely Make more of these videos.

[@billsutorius2753]

I really want to thank you for doing that video because I was thinking about getting a kayak and after watching your video I realize that a kayak is not for me. You saved me a lot of time and money. Thanks again 👍🎣 🇺🇸

[@hingstonia]

I had never fished before I hit 55 or kayaked. That year I retired and started fishing and had the bright idea to use an inflatable kayak. What a learning curve. 3 years later starting to get the hang of this sport. Rather use the yak than a motor boat.

[@LostInTackle]

Lifetime yak

[@daverattigan8804]

Totally agree Debo... I have a 12 ft aluminum in the back of my F350

[@oregonsmalljaw3732]

I started with a paddle kayak. Now I have a Tracker bass boat and a kayak. I agree that sitting down fishing kinda sucks. I definitely like fish out of a small boat way more than a kayak.

[@chrisrus53]

My Monday is saved!!! The Scum Launch frog is my favorite straight out of the package. Trim the legs and throw it. Loved getting to see ya in a yak. You reinforced some of my concerns in getting one myself.

[@WesleyKennedy]

Biggest advantage with a kayak in my opinion is not having to rely on a boat ramp or being in too shallow of a creek/river. Bigger water or easy boat ramp on a smaller lake? Boat or jon boat. Small farm pond that you can't quite get to the middle from the bank, backwoods lake or shallow creek/river? Kayak wins and there is no contest. I use my kayak to go places that my boat cannot.

[@SD-wo2gx]

Congrats on your first yak fish Mr DEBO! Sad to hear you won't be buying one and putting out yak videos but appreciate your unbiased approach to all things you review. Man you having a kayak on that pond is making me miss living in east NE. It was so nice and calm and looked like the perfect place to fish.

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

Nice sticking them once you got it alittle better. Glad you had a good attitude and fun while trying it out. I’m kinda the types that like a Jon boat that can still go on river small lakes with someone with me! Thanks for the outing! Thanks Steve!

[@jimholliman2822]

Thank you very much Debo. I was thinking about a kayak and I didn't realize what it would be like. You showed me that I do not want one.

[@richardblake4777]

Loved the video Debo, I had to start sitting down in my bass boat about 10 years ago due to age, arthritis, etc. I love to pitch and it's very hard to sitting down and not as accurate. I would think it's much harder to set the hook since you are basically water level. It probably becomes easier after adapting to all the changes but, I have a new respect for kayakers after watching you on the water. Thanks for another great video.

[@treverwagner]

Yeah, it took a lot of time on the water to get use to how to position your yak while fishing. At least you gave it a shot and gave an honest review of your experience.

[@jeffc2630]

Its the way to go ! I have the Native Titan and have a motor on it, but John boats are cool so are Bass boats ! Its all about your preferences and what you've been exposed to !

[@hungrydad7537]

Yes FINALLY !!! Debo you got me going from the bank I took all of that advice right in the kayaks then started doing kayak tournaments and now open to work in to boats owe it all at the beginning to you buddy thank you man every time I hear your voice when I'm watching a video let's go fishing friends!

[@mariaruhlman424]

It’s all what you are used to. I carry 2 poles in my yak. It has a pocket that locks where I put my keys and phone. I have a John boat too, but much prefer the yak, but to each his own. I have 2 yaks one for the river and one for lakes. I typically only stand in my lake yak, but I actually prefer casting while sitting. Glad you tried it.

[@benwilkey2060]

I’m actually rocking the SS127 myself. No question there’s a learning curve. No question I was making no effort to stand up in mine my first time out. That being said, after putting in a little time, I had no issues standing up and that was even when I was loading on tournament amounts of equipment and I was still pushing 300 pounds. They can definitely present challenges, but I love the opportunities I’ve enjoyed with kayak ownership. No hate from me! 👍🏼

[@MoMan.88]

LOL it’s definitely something to get used to but for me I love it I don’t have a motor and don’t want one, I also rarely stand up because mine isn’t very stable, but you get used to the sit down fishing aspect also, everyone has their preferences but mine is definitely kayaking fishing!!

[@LostInTackle]

You were excited! Love your pro/con perspective. It's over a year before I stood UP comfortably. I've now raised my seat 6 inches, and I feel like a buoy sometimes. I'm glad I sent you an email for an awesome deal on a Bank-stool-backpack

[@johnhancock517]

I'm with you man. Not a fan of fishing from a yak. They're nice for just paddling around site seeing, but I hated fishing from one the first and only time I tried it

[@MaineStreamFishing]

HOW DID I MISS THIS!!!! My boy in the Yak! Definitely need to get you and dizzle in yaks and have lil fish offs

[@DiamondHead2010]

Appreciate your honest feedback debo!

[@CrackingBass]

Yaking Debo! It sure isn’t the most fun to maneuver with a hand paddle and fish on a windy day. 🤣

[@CastingwithKirk]

You do the kayak fishing enough times and it gets easier. I went from a 19'6" Bass Boat to a 11'7" Kayak and it took a little but I love it now. If you can glide along the docks it is so cool to hook a bass under the docks and pull it right out. So much fun.

[@theted1601]

Debo - solid comments and assessment considering it’s your first time ever in a Yak. I’m a Yak angler and some of the things you discuss (wind management, limited storage onboard, etc) are for everyone on a kayak. Some of the considerations, however, you just learn to mitigate with experience. My phone goes in a ziplock bag in my PFD, I keep the spare rods on the left rear of the yak so my right rear is clear for casting, etc. Thanks for the great video and keep on feeshing.

[@twiggsherman3641]

I tried kayak fishing last year. I didn't care for it much, and living in an apartment it was a pain. Think I'm going to try one of those Colorado Pontoons at some point and eventually putting a trolling motor on it. Even if I just use it to get to places on the bank that other people can't walk to.

[@JZepeda_90]

Kayak Fishing Lets Gooooo !!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@sethcornelius875]

Man I'm sitting here and going through the learning curve all over again watching this video. You did great your first time man if you kept at it you would hammer them for sure. Get you in an old town sportsman so u can stand

[@6ixsage414]

Never thought I would see this! I love kayak fishing myself

[@richardporter1455]

I fish an average of 50-75 trips out on my yak a year. I ve had an SS107 for 3 seasons. Very stable and I stand up most of the time. That being said, I'm over the whole kayak fishing. It's great for getting off the bank but overall it's kind of a pain. For the amount I fish I'm currently looking for a boat. Preferably a 16-18ft Jon boat. I definitely can't justify dropping $50,,000-70,000 on a Camus😂😂😂

[@willjunkin732]

With the jon boat you have I wouldn't change. With the kayak it is different. The ss127 and oldtown 120 are very stable kayaks. The rogue phone tether is always a must. I upgraded last yr from paddle to peddle in my oldtown pdl120 and it is so much better. It's for some people but not for everyone. Atleast you can say you tried it 👍🏻

[@stacyyoung2316]

Just got my first yak. Can’t wait to get on the water and do some feesh’in.

[@tylerthompson502]

Debo brother!!!! I love all your content man I always get excited to watch your new vids I really like your gear breakdowns. I wanna see more them!!! Tight lines brother

[@bryand956]

Top water walking and jerk baits are like the hardest to do from a kayak if you aren’t standing.

[@Larry77777]

Hey Debo: I've had my fishing kayak since 2010 and I got it because I have no place at home to store a boat and trailer. I love fishing on it but limited range is a serious compromise. If I were you, I'd stick with the boat and trailer.

[@willtrax71]

I like the Yak my friend and they make Outriggers for Kayaks but I think I’d still tip over lol my balance isn’t great anymore. I’m glad you are getting out on the water absolutely any way you can Fish is the way to go. I say stay safe my friend and Semper Fidelis

[@JerryN856]

Enjoyed watching you give it a try. I've had mine a year now and still learning what I can and can't do. But I am enjoying it. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@patrickhartman6818]

You are right also while your reeling your derection changes to what side you reel on. I found myself changing side to side to keep myself straight.

[@tomgross1438]

I'm glad to see you at least tried a yak. I love my OT 120 pdl, but yaks are not for everyone. It definitely takes some time to get used to.

[@juli82E]

A peddle drive is better while fishing, little more control...standing is something to get used to especially with wind or around party boaters. I think if I had the space for a Jon Boat, I'd have a Jon boat for fishing and my Kayak for river floats.

[@markphilippsjr]

Not gonna lie, haven't watched yet, but with that said for me. Kayak fishing was like learning how to fish all over again. I love it, but it aint easy.

[@dennisstewart7849]

I have to agree on your assessment of fishing out of kayak. A small John boat, with electric motor, is the way to go. Love the hat. Go Iowa Hawkeyes!

[@rubenakacoolerlid2314]

Great to see you try something new.

[@bryand956]

Kayak boat position without a pedal system is the number one factor in kayak fishing. Tough to learn.

[@losingbigfish9473]

Great video if you ever get a chance to try out a pedal kayak it’s so much better than a paddle and if you’re ever in Colorado, I have a spare if you want to try

[@edsonanaya8239]

Gotta get a kayak video of you casting and setting that hook while standing up on it.

[@markusc.7544]

Bro I'm with you. I've had a yak for many years but have never used it. I don't have a vehicle I can transport it with

[@JesseG085]

I'm with you 100% on kayaks. They're a fad. I've had both and a 1436 jon boat with a casting deck and a bow mounted trolling motor is so much better and cheaper.

[@farrzmd3038]

Great video. Currently saving for a throw and go fishing kayak. As it is fishing from the bank I only carry 2 3500 Planos, 5 bags of plastics and 2/3 rods. It’s something I’d like to try for those lakes and ponds that have zero bank access.

[@LostInTackle]

Lifetime I would love to only take that much tackle with me on the yak

[@farrzmd3038]

@@LostInTackle I have a lot more tackle. I just rotate in & out of those 2 3500 boxes. Like for squarebills I’ll bring bill Lewis Atv and R2S biggie smalls in a blue gill pattern and a shad pattern. Then depending on time of year I’ll add in a flat side, lipless or strike king HH as my 3rd bait for a different look. So one box for blue gill pattern and the other for shad pattern covering topwater down 6’ deep. I carry boss jigs in an arcie style jig and a swim jig and bring packs of skirts with me to put together jigs as i go and then a small terminal box. It’s helped focus not switching out lures too quickly.

[@Mila808g]

My first few trips on the kayak felt really awkward (I also only have a cheap $50 folding BIC kayak thats not meant for fishing at all lol) but once you start to get the hang of it oh man is it the most fun! Not only can you reach water that you wouldnt be able to bank fishing you can also reach water that you wouldnt be able to in a john or bass boat. Not to mention you are nice and quiet so you can get right up on the fish! Loved the video Debo!

[@NorthWoodsWes]

Cooll to see on a yak for the first time. But yeah, there's definitely pros & cons to it. Don't feel too bad about not wanting to try to stand up in it though. This is my second summer yak fishing and my yak is made for standing as well. I just can't muster up the courage to do so 😂 Plus, i can also relate to the phone thing if have it in pocket. Im always making sure mine's still there. 😅

[@timdavis3532]

I love this video. Cause that's exactly how I felt my first time. Thanks

[@The66Leadfoot]

Agreed 100%. I would rather have a Jon boat for ponds and small lakes, but up a river is where kayaks shine.

[@BrownBaitCo]

An anchor is definitely needed!

[@jpenney]

No hate! It's different. Balance will come with practice. You end up getting a system down. I almost always pick my kayak over my boat.

[@Jakethefishingguy]

Hey Debo!! Some quickly yak tips. 1. As a large fellow, we aren’t confident in our center of gravity or our balance. It gets better with time and different yaks. And they get better and better 2. Hook sets will always be weird. I highly suggest the one hand net and pull. It’s tricky landing and setting the hook. 3. Just removed, you know fish. You know they need shade, cover, or depth. Just don’t blow up a spot lol. I love the fact that you’re in a yak as it’s relatable to me. I love all the content your putting out! Tight lines!

[@davidwilliams1805]

Great video! I thought you did a really good job out there in the kayak, being it was your first time. Some nice catches. It was fun watching you! Keep up the great work! Enjoyed this! As always, #DEBO'SFishing rocks!!!

[@SkunkMasterFishing]

Awesome review! Thanks for sharing, I've been on the fence about a YAK also

[@richardburnett2589]

Yeah... I just bought a kayak myself.. always wanted to try it.. mostly because I don't have anywhere to store a boat. Even a john boat. But now kind of wishing I had bought a little 8 ft or 10ft bass hunter.. I'm not super balanced either, and I'm a little heavy... And fishing out of it is super sketchy...... Not ready to give up yet, but not crazy about it so far.

[@hardknoxs]

Congrats on your 1st kayak fish!!! I love feeshin outta my kayak!

[@drjekelmrhyde]

I load my yak up and find a spot on the bank where no one on foot can get to and fish from the bank. If I'm with a lot of bank fishing friends, I would do reconnaissance with my fish finder to point them to the deep holes near the bank.

[@reynaldonegron4404]

First time always feels like that I bet you do it couple more times get more comfortable with it also you can get to places that you can’t access with your boat

[@jamesp2674]

Great video to think about things before you buy a yak!

[@robkiltie6481]

Thrilled to see Debo in a kayak. Some thoughts Debo - I started in a Bonafide and discovered right away, to paddle and fish (for me) was very difficult. I sold the Bonafide and got a Native Slayer Max, and absolutely love it. Peddling makes such a huge difference in playing a fish, getting into position, etc. I have gone to braid for all my combos, which has helped in setting hooks (I carry 9 combos). Thank you for at least trying it. As always, love your channel.

[@coty7228]

I’ve got a kayak and a Jon boat, I love my kayak but you have more room and stability with a Jon boat….and no paddling or pedaling 😂. The only part that I don’t like is lugging a trailer around with the Jon boat.

[@stevesmith7164]

Good video Debo, always nice to try new things