14 Reasons Kayak Fishing SUCKS

[@wendellfishing]

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[@Hoosieryakcats]

Never had anyone ask to go out on my kayak with me . Rarely got to fish alone on my boat , solitude is one of my most treasured outdoor assets ..

[@wendellfishing]

Solid angle brother

[@chadsmith5146]

My number one reason of loving kayak fishing is you're out there in the middle of everything you feel exposed and when the fish jump they're right there in your face

[@wendellfishing]

Oh heck yeah Chad! Get some!

[@HomesteadOnThePreserve]

Bonus when I lived in South Florida fishing the Everglades, the gators were right in your face too!

[@kevinyoung947]

@@HomesteadOnThePreserve yea was dealing with that yesterday

[@adamduane1320]

​@@HomesteadOnThePreserve i cant say id count that as a bonus lol

[@Bobby12many]

Kinda like riding a bike along a road that you have only ever driven down - being part of it vs being outside of it

[@michaell1665]

I've had my Native Slayer Propel 13 for 7 yrs now - I'm almost 70 yrs old and as long as the old body can take it I will keep doing it! You did a great job of turning every negative into a positive - and I agree wholeheartedly! The 2 things that stand out for me are: (1) I get a workout every time I fish, and (2) kayak fishing makes you a better fisherman because it forces you to search for the fish without cranking up the motor and running 5 miles to the 2nd honey hole! The majority of my fishing is done in SE Louisiana brackish water for saltwater species and occasional marsh bass! Most trips I have to deal with huge sportfishermen boats, but there are safe ways to coexist with them. The addition of a small Lowrance fish finder about 8 yrs ago tremendously increased my success - not because I actually "see" the fish so often, but it allows me to locate the drop-offs and determine patterns of the bite. My round trip distances have been as long as 10 miles over the last 12 yrs, but these days I try to keep it down to 4 miles round trip.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Michael! Appreciate your comment brother. Stay safe out there!

[@fritty9927]

I’m 70 and my best fishing came out of an old 18 ft. Canoe. One fishing pole and a lawn chair to sit in. Simple and effective; to say the least very affordable.

[@wendellfishing]

lawn chair hack... love it

[@jameslindahl3024]

Kayaks are slowly replacing canoes as mini vans replace station wagons. If I still had that long low roof to load a canoe on I'd still be happy with a canoe

[@wendellfishing]

@@jameslindahl3024 Hey... You like what you like.

[@chrisklebitz662]

@@jameslindahl3024 and stand up paddles boards are slowly taking kayaking over like SUVs did to mini vans.

[@vieuxacadian9455]

Yeah these kids are over the top today. Canoes , pirougues , simple kayaks . Minimalistic pleasures not $6,000.00 techno tubs.

[@rwbpiano]

I am a kayak fishing rookie, as I bought my first kayak this summer. The thing I love about it most so far is that even if the fish aren't biting, I can still go kayaking and have a great time being alone with nature. I went fishing a few days ago and saw a bald eagle atop a tree. It was worth the trip to see this magnificent bird take off and swoop down to try and catch dinner.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on!

[@lowlifeangler]

I love the freedom. Not stuck on the bank on a small lake when 30% is bank fishable. Or be just a passenger on a boat. I usually have game plan or start paddle against the current, find a point then drift back. I study maps during the week before I go out. I was always a good caster. I have no problem casting out of a sit on top kayak. Being on my feet on concrete floor all the time at the plant, it's good to relax, sit and paddle everywhere to find bass. Loading sucks especially J bars with 57lb kayak. Worth the freedom. Now having the aftermarket that we didn't have 15 years ago is great. Expensive? A basic Bass Tracker boat are running around $15,000! My "bass boat" was $400 and put $500 accessories which can transfer to an upgrade boat later on. It's all about freedom

[@wendellfishing]

FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEDOOOOOMMMMMM!

[@truecrimson1]

lol, when he said $300 for a Sun dolphin I wondered if prices had gone up that much since I started. Back then Sun Dolphins were under $200. Currently looks like $199 at Dunham's. Holy smokes Walmart prices are way up. Dick's has a Pelican pretty similar to what we started out in for $199. That's what I paid for each of our Pelican's more than a decade ago. They were rec boats, we had to mod them for fishing; add rod holders, etc. Worked fine until we got the bigger purpose built yaks. My Ride 135 was $600 used, which was about half the new price at the time. My wife's Moken 12.5 was $800 new. The Ride has awesome seats. The Moken had the Kingfisher seat so we did the stadium seat mod for her. Have not seen a need to replace them, though we will probably upgrade her to one with a lawn chair seat in the next year or two. When we got those we already had rod holders, fish finder mounts, and a ton of other stuff from modding the Pelicans. We bought some track adapters and kept using the same stuff.

[@brumfiba]

Almost every lake in my area has zero bank access except for a boat ramp. It is nearly impossible to go catch a fish without a boat of some kind. The yak has opened a whole new world of fishing to me.

[@MinnElias]

“Kayadilac” 😂 Had me laughing

[@wendellfishing]

:)

[@Immopimmo]

I love the quiet of just gliding through the water, I can hear every single splash and I see a lot more birds and animals too. It's also really fun to hook a large fish and having it pull you across the lake. I spent a good couple of minutes fighting with a 20lb pike last summer and when I finally got it up to the kayak and could unhook it felt like a real accomplishment. 😁

[@wendellfishing]

Awesome.. that sounds like an epic sleigh ride

[@BowFinJunkie]

I love to be able to just slide into a spot that is underfished. You see all the bank anglers casting from shore and your out there catching them from the other side of the lake that’s unreachable. It’s a great feeling.

[@wendellfishing]

Oh Heck Yeah.... When I used to bank fish a lot.. all I would be doing is scanning the lake thinking.. I wish I could fish that "only reachable by kayak" spot. It was maddening

[@BucktailFishing]

If ya know, ya know. Those of us in the Polyethylene Armada know. We are the masters of finding fish others can even fathom are there.

[@HomesteadOnThePreserve]

To piggyback on that, I find bobbers and lures every time I take the yak out. Not only from shore fisherman but peeps on boats that cant get near them. I can thread my 10 foot Slayer between Cypress trees and stuff.

[@BowFinJunkie]

@@HomesteadOnThePreserve same here haha. I’ve got a whole box dedicated to old lures I find and restore them lol.

[@HomesteadOnThePreserve]

@@BowFinJunkie Love it! I do the same (minus the dedicated box)

[@sapsap1233]

#1 reason I love kayak fishing is the peace and quiet you get all to yourself, no one to say hey watch how you cast, or hey you almost hooked me! Nope not on the kayak nothing but me myself and I, of course it’s exciting fishing with others but fishing solo you learn so much more at your own pace! Tight lines!

[@wendellfishing]

Right on SapSap.. I hear ya there.. I have never been hooked on a yak. Big Facts there

[@badhombrefishing]

I fish with a buddy most of the time. But the quiet is what I love as well.

[@colobisman6132]

I’ve been thinking about buying a kayak for two years now and can’t seem to pull the trigger. I guess I feel I might not use it enough to justify buying one even though I fish 2 to 3 times a week. I catch a lot of fish from the bank but can’t get to 70% of the lake. I also can’t decide if I should go inexpensive with something like a Seastream PDL or just go for it and get an Old Town autopilot. So darn many decisions but I’m thinking it’s time to pull the trigger this year and go have some fun since I’m 71 and time is of the essence. Thanks for all your great videos.

[@wendellfishing]

Oh man...... a kayak will open up a whole new world for you

[@SandDuneProperties]

Luv the quiet & solitude of a small shallow cove, waterway, river that is sooo invigorating.

[@stevebarzee7340]

I love the no gas and noise. On many lakes the no motor rule doesn’t apply to pedal power . For me it’s access to smaller water and streams that have less fishing pressure.

[@wendellfishing]

Great point!

[@lightfeather9953]

Yeah one of our local lakes has that rule and it's always so pleasant to hike around it or fish the banks. No obnoxious loud polluting boats - can hear every fish splash, all the birds, etc.. The kayakers look so relaxed out there.

[@gregstabryla9945]

Being able to pick up and go anywhere is the best. Of course the worst is both the wind and loading. Still putting an 82# kayak on an old Buick at my age? In the summer I just leave it on Was that a hummingbird

[@wendellfishing]

Yeah.. I don't take my kayak off of the trailer in the summer.. My truck just sits outside at this point. What you saw was a Garmin Striker 4

[@buckeye830]

Being on the water before dawn then watching the sun come up over the trees. So peaceful and so beautiful.

[@wendellfishing]

Oh heck yeah!

[@nicknackdaddyack]

I love everything about yak fishing....even combating the 10mph wind Friday with my 3 lb anchor was not an issue. But what I love most is getting into fishing spots boats CAN'T get to! Bigger better fish!

[@wendellfishing]

Oh heck yes NickNack!!!

[@dlmsarge8329]

And being so much more stealthy than a boat really helps a kayak fishermen bring in better numbers and sizes of fish!!

[@dlmsarge8329]

I kayak fish 5 or 6 days a week May - October in Ontario, Canada in my Hobie PA12. I'm 63 and car top it without any problems. Wind is definitely an issue so I generally troll on the really windy days and find laying my rods and net down in the kayak instead of upright in the rod holders helps. Last season I added a 10 color leadcore setup to my arsenal of rods and reels. It let's me troll as deep as 40 or 50 ft for Lake Trout (along with the regular walleye, pike, bass I catch). The leadcore takes a bit of management but really adds a new dimension to kayak fishing. Some weekdays I'm the only boat on a lake and I choose the lakes I fish on weekends carefully to avoid heavy traffic. If I somehow lost my Hobie , I'd go buy another the next day. Life can be sweet and kayak fishing makes it that much sweeter!!

[@wendellfishing]

Love it Sarge! I use leadcore when salmon fishing but never from a kayak. Get Some!!!!

[@dlmsarge8329]

@@wendellfishing Thanks man!! You too!

[@LesterWayneDobos]

Fell off my yak one time 12ft water hookset caught me off guard had to swim back to shore but the fish was still on! I keep my paddles too, nothing like the challenge of paddling against 20mph winds to make it back. Keeps the arms strong.

[@wendellfishing]

The best part of this story is that you still landed it.. GET SOME!

[@ClayKickersOutdoors]

Im brand new to kayak fishing, today was the first day on my brand new kayak. The only thing I truly hated is the extremely painful sunburn I now have. I think the best part about it is you can have alot of fun in groups, and you can easily get onto old abandoned docks.

[@wendellfishing]

Heck Yeah.. I was just out for 4 days.. and I cant tell ya how many times I had to reapply

[@rocketcityastro]

i made that mistake on my first trip as well i got 3rd degree burn that left scars and i was out of work for a week i could not wear shoes and could barley walk.

[@chrisnitrowinger8572]

I did the same thing last year the first time I tried kayak fishing in Northern California , caught allot of trout but also had third degree burns on the top of my feet and lower legs, couldn't wear shoes for about 10 days and could barley walk , the flight home to Arizona was the worst. Rookie mistake to say the least.

[@wendellfishing]

@@rocketcityastro wow.. you got it good

[@michaelburk9171]

Ouch. The sitting position in a yak exposes your legs like nothing else. People put sunscreen on arms shoulders n face but don't think about their legs. Or possibly worse, the tops of their feet. When it's warm I wear a pair of thin dark colored surgical scrubs and dark socks.

[@JohnLong02245]

I love the closeness you feel to the water and the fish when you catch them. Nothing like having a 22” bass come up next to the kayak and wallow and shake its big ole head right there in front of you.

[@wendellfishing]

No doubt!

[@BeardedKayakFishing]

I'm new to kayak fishing. Like so new, I haven't gone yet. Picked up a Catch 120 Classic, just finished rigging it up (most ideas from your channel. Even the fishing crate). Was gonna go out this weekend but pouring rain all weekend here in Connecticut. Hopefully next wkend!!!!! Thanks for all the videos and info. This channel has helped a lot with ideas and tips.

[@wendellfishing]

Oh heck yeah! Now's the best time to get out there as they are biting like crazy. Happy to help brother. Reach out anytime.

[@timlong1462]

Don't be afraid of an old 2 stroke! This Old Outboard and Dangar Marine on YT can basically walk you through any repair. Probably the easiest engines you can gain experience with. Just buy a $30 compression test tool! Most important thing to start with is strong compression. Good idea to stay with Johnson or Evinrude IMO. Parts are extremely available and cheap. Yamaha and merc made a lot of changes through the model years.

[@wendellfishing]

:) I have an old two stroke.. I just have the kayak bug.

[@jayhaveyable]

​@@wendellfishingsame here. Boats are just cumbersome to me any more and the endless maintenance.

[@benjaminhawthorne1969]

Thankyou for this informative INTRODUCTION TO KAYAK fishing. I am moving from a house to a condominium, so I have down-sized EVERYTHING. There are lots of lakes, ponds and creeks near my new home, that I am certain harbor game fish. I do not drive motor vehicles anymore, but I am hoping that I can buy or make a trailer for my kayak, that I can pull behind my SCHWINN Meridian trike.

[@wendellfishing]

Now.. that rig is going to be epic....

[@Wirenutby]

I fish the coastal waters of Maine. I have a 20' Robalo boat and I have a 12' Old Town pedal kayak. I catch a lot more fish on my kayak than on my boat. On the kayak, you are more like a floating log and more stealth, thus one reason why I catch more fish out of my kayak. Love every minute I am out there. You are spot right on with all you said. Great video!

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks boss!

[@theoutdoorhistorian]

I get asked a lot on why I don’t just get a canoe. I have a canoe and it has its time and place. But I feel it’ll be a disadvantage to fish from it. My kayak, my baby, was designed to fish and the ability to customize it to fit my needs. Many of the points you brought up about cons for it (back pain, etc) I’ve been able to find simple remedies. That wind though…I have an anchor trolley but I avoid big water like the plague when it’s windy. When it’s that bad I’ll stick to ponds and reservoirs.

[@wendellfishing]

Yeah.. Canoe.... it definitely has its place... which is on the showroom floor :)

[@dlmsarge8329]

I've fished lot's from canoes but a kayak is SO much better. It's like night and day for boat control and stealthyness. I totally love my Hobie PA12 and use it 5 or 6 days a week during the season here in Ontario, Canada.

[@stevenlewis2852]

I love the calm I experience when I’m on the water in my kayak fishing. I am new to kbf. I’m learning and loving it.

[@wendellfishing]

Welcome to KBF Steven!

[@fryeguy9939]

One of the big things that I like about kayak fishing, is it seems like I can sneak up on bigger bass with the low profile quieter , kayak..I will use a motor to go from spot to spot.. But I get close, the motor gets shut off and I paddle into the spot.. The Frye Guy..

[@wendellfishing]

Right on FryeGuy!

[@kevinmalott9625]

I love kayak fishing, but I seriously considered buying a boat because of the wind . But I decided to buy a old town autopilot instead to help out with this . Super excited. Going to try trolling lake Erie this year for walleye! Love fishing the bay for bass and crappie. Kayak fishing brings you closer to nature imo. Great channel by the way! Really good content! I also enjoy your podcast! I have a long commute to work and podcasts help with the drive. Keep up the good work! Thanks

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks Kevin, Really appreciate the feedback.. I haven't spoken to 1 person who hasn't love the OT Autopilot. So awesome.

[@kevinmalott9625]

@@wendellfishing you helped me decide on the autopilot. I was considering a pedal drive, but a discussion on one of your podcasts changed my mind. You where talking about lake size and kayak choice based on acreage. I mainly fish a 8300 acre bay. Tight lines cheers!

[@wendellfishing]

@@kevinmalott9625 That's awesome Kevin.. It makes my day that the discussion was helpful. thanks for letting me know.

[@DBHIGHLIGHTZ]

I definitely think kayak fishing has made me a better and smarter fisherman like you said that you have to study the lake and know where the bass are and it makes me plan better and know what I need to throw and when I need to throw it. Love your videos man and keep up the good work.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Dalton... thanks for the encouragement...Appreciate it

[@michaelburk9171]

You definitely get a smaller but much more detailed view of what's around you. A couple kayak trips and you realize how much you weren't seeing from a boat

[@ItsSusky]

Agreed

[@LucasKellis]

Regarding sitting down too much. As a avid wade fisher, I bring my boots and socks during swimming season and find a place to get out and stand in the water for a bit, or if it's too cold I will wear my waders (and wading belt). That way I can always stretch my legs for a half hour and bank fish. It also make entry and exit easier because I no longer care about getting wet.

[@cobbs]

The biggest disadvantage for me is the wind when I'm pitching in 10-15 feet of water. When it's calm, I can really pick those grass mats and submerged trees apart. When it's blowing, most times, I don't even bother because it's a pain in the ass raising and dropping an anchor repeatedly in deeper water. And I really don't want the extra hassle of having a spotlock trolling motor on my kayak. All the other times, the wind doesn't bother me. Like you, I've figured out ways to be productive, even in 25 mph winds. On the other hand, one of the biggest advantages a kayak has around where I live (CA) is vessel inspections for invasive species. It's a real pain for boat guys to pass these inspections, making sure there's not one drop of water anywhere, so they usually stay on one lake. It's a cinch for us kayak guys, so I'm constantly hopping from one place to another. It's a huge advantage, imo.

[@wendellfishing]

Interesting on the vessel inspections. Thanks for sharing.. learned something new

[@lightfeather9953]

It's a problem in parts of the Midwest too. Invasive species are seriously damaging the environment. I see big warning signs at every boat launch in my area.

[@randall517]

The wind can definitely be annoying. But the thing I love about it, is fighting big fish from a little piece of plastic. Hauling in a 30# + catfish is a pretty cool feeling.

[@wendellfishing]

Oh heck yeah.. I call 30lb catfish "Sleigh Rides"

[@drinkthekoolaidkids]

My biggest complaint is the wind .... completely aggravating

[@michaelburk9171]

You can really feel the strength of big fish in a kayak.

[@melissaballard4470]

My husband and I got fishing kayaks during the drought when the lakes were so low we couldn’t launch our boat. Absolutely love them. Selling our boat, will never go back!

[@wendellfishing]

That is awesome!

[@tomw8419]

Went kayak fishing yesterday. Got a nice rainbow and my buddy (in his own kayak) got two. Sinker and garlic Power Eggs on a 3' leader. We both tried new anchors we welded up from lightweight scrap materials using KZbin DYI vids for ideas (I had 50' of line, but I'll take 100 next time and spray paint 25' increments on it). Total game changer just fishing without having to monitor drift and keep maneuvering. Pro Tip: take only what you need for hooks/bait/weights. A wide-access kayak cockpit gets cramped in a hurry even with a small tackle box or bag. Sunscreen UNDER the nose and chin is good too for reflected glare.

[@wendellfishing]

Solid advice Tom! Thanks!

[@CCpewpew]

I love just about everything about kayaking. Just upgraded to two crescent kayaks from my old wilderness systems. One thing I noticed is the more minimal i became the more fun it was. Less rods to tangle in. Less stuff to worry about dropping over etc. Typically now 2 rods, 1 370 box if not a smaller one and a few packs of soft plastics. Took the fish finder off and haven't looked back. Another tip is if your using a lot of crankbaits use quick connects (not snap swivels). This saves uou anlot of time. One other hreat thing is witht the same boat i can go bass (freshwater fishing), stiper fishing, catfishing and even make it out in the ocean all wirh one craft.

[@wendellfishing]

Heck yeah CC! Love the minimalism!

[@michaelburk9171]

Great observation about taking less gear. Takes some experience to know what you actually need. You can about sink your yak with the "Just in case" mentality.

[@sflagg0817]

Great video thanks for sharing my wife and I both have Jackson Kilroy kayaks I’m like 5’5 with a F150 loading them is a tad tough on my roof racks I use the method where I rest the front of the kayak on the truck tailgate when it’s down then end up pushing from the back so they get on the roof rack, side note remember to put both straps , front and back for each kayak on the cross bars before you load them, we use the Yakamia round bars, with their baseline towers so they are transported upside down we really do like the Kilroys they are approximately 75 or so pounds and are very stable

[@wendellfishing]

Heck yeah... love that you and your wife enjoy it together!

[@atamagashock]

I love being out on lakes and sections of lakes that nobody else can get too, wether it’s too shallow or too small of an area to get into without a kayak or canoe. It’s peaceful and great for your mind and soul. Especially when you’re surrounded by nature and wildlife you typically won’t see otherwise! I fish out of a 2020 PA12 360 and it’s an absolute dream. You can maneuver into and out of anything and I love to be able to stand and fish, and it’s unbelievably stable for that

[@wendellfishing]

Heck Yeah.. standing and fishing from a yak is the best! Get some!

[@basschaser9356]

The only downside of kayak fishing is setup and take off thing from your kayak. Seat, crate, motor, rod holders , fish finder, etc . Take about 20min to setup and 20min to put stuff away after a long day of fishing Having a trailer is a must for heavy kayak

[@wendellfishing]

True story.. I fish a place with about 900 lakes and ponds to pick from. I'm exhausted after 1 day

[@anthonyvespia6662]

Great vid Darren. I'm in my 3rd season in my Oldtown Sportsman 120 pdl. And running the new J2 Bixpy PP-768. I've Fished all my life on my dad's boat, and from the bank. But what I love is, I can back it into my garage, on my $300 trailer from harbor freight. Add all my own additional accessories, add-ons, and electronics, etc. To me it's a one man boat, without all the headaches. Plus the therapy, exercise, and launching between two trees, on large lakes, or the ocean. And my favorite is doing 5 day camp/fish trips with my friends, on our kayaks. 🌊 🎣 😎

[@wendellfishing]

Oh man Anthony! 5 day trips on the yak sounds amazing! Tell me more!

[@anthonyvespia6662]

@@wendellfishing Will do bro. Got one planned next month.

[@HomesteadOnThePreserve]

Living the dream, way to do it Anthony!

[@andrewbootsdekemper3410]

I love going to small lakes that everyone is shore fishing on and catching fish they wouldn’t be able to get to. I enjoy the freedom to just paddle and float around. I enjoy the experience of landing a fish and how it can move you around on a kayak it makes a smaller fish seem like a bigger fish. Thanks for the great content

[@wendellfishing]

Heck Yeah Andrew!

[@ronniecrook6313]

I love the freedom that I feel when fishing from my kayak. There is not a better feeling

[@wendellfishing]

Amen to that Ronnie.... I feel a another level of freedom when I see the bald eagles swoop down and fish with me

[@johnedwards678]

I have 3 kayaks now and have been kayaking/fishing since the late 60s with a Folbot kit my dad and i built. I have a tandem sit inside, a sit on top and a Hurricane 125 Prima i just purchased and i've found my perfect fishing kayak. It's 35 pounds, acrylic sit inside but has a very comfortable removable beach style chair that's elevated off the hull. It's very slick and the most effortless, quietest paddeling kayak i've experienced to date. It's not for someone who wants a ton of equipment on board but with 350 lb capability, mounting rail and large dry hatch It's perfect for me. I perfer minimalistic that i can load/unload very easy any time i see an interesting fishing spot. I took a fishing pole with broken tip and removed all the ferrels, cut the cork handle off so it will fit in a 3/8" drill and mounted a trolling motor prop on the end with a piece of rubber hose that fits in the prop with the skinny end of the pole pushed into that. In fwd the prop pushes itself tighter in that hose so it doesn't slip. I tried it with a 1/2 drill first and i'm guessing it was pushing around 25 pounds. That's way more than i need to push the Hurricane so went to the much smaller and lighter 3/8" that pushes around 15 pounds. I just hold it in the water by hand now pretty easy but i'm working on a mount. I'm only using that set up to get me to the spots where i then swap over to the quiter paddle.

[@wendellfishing]

Niiiice!

[@bushleague3472]

I grew up in canoes, and whenever I've tried kayaks I've never liked them quite as much. The canoe solves some of those problems, there are other problems, but I feel like it comes out ahead. Honestly, if you learn to pick your battles right, and learn how to focus your efforts properly, fishing from shore can be hugely productive. Even to the point where most seasons my biggest fish are usually caught from shore, even though I have a boat and several canoes.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on brother.. You like what you like! Get some!

[@nathanjasper512]

On a really calm body of water like a lake or a mellow river you're absolutely right.

[@joshs3905]

As a longtime and passionate fisherman I’ll never say that boat fishing isn’t superior as it always will be. I boat fish regularly but have always wanted a kayak just for those cottage trips where I’m in a swampy area that boats can’t reach and I know for a fact tanks are in, and those camping trips where for most of the time motor boats aren’t permitted in provincial parks so it’s nice to have a means of getting out there on your own terms. It’s a completely different world than boat-fishing. Pros and cons with both, I think both are 100% worth it to have if you love fishing

[@wendellfishing]

Right on brother!

[@peacefrog7258]

My wife and I love kayak fishing, the fact that we can move around independently, is awesome. The other part is, it's quiet, so quiet I had a loon surface next to me👍

[@wendellfishing]

Amen to that... love that you are able to get out there with your wife!

[@Rezornch_and_Dvelenktronx]

Excellent! Thank you for sharing!

[@wendellfishing]

NP boss! Happy to help

[@mnbp127]

I love kayak fishing because it makes me feel immersed in nature. It's pretty cool seeing all the wildlife that lives in the Metro lakes I usually fish. I bought a Perception Pescador 10 in 2014 and learned to deal with a lot of these little issues over time. I now have a SS127 with an Xi3 and wind is no longer an issue. At the point where I'm at currently if I had the money to get a bass boat I would just hold onto the money and use it to go on epic kayak fishing trips.

[@wendellfishing]

That's the attitude I like to see!

[@bobarganbright180]

I feel closer to nature on a yak. To catch fish, going to a no boat ramp pond is best. Sightseeing on shallow streams is great. Boat motor noise bothers me a lot more than it used to. Good exercise. Mostly maintenance free. Negatives... At 73 it is hard to get out of my fin drive sit on top boat. Getting in the water helps. Not enough rudder to get turned into the wind. Getting fishing line caught up on something, especially another rod. Never thought of using the drive well as a restroom, good idea. Pelican style pontoon boat? Weighs 50# more, wind, boat motor and battery to deal with.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Bob! Love those no boat ramp ponds and lakes myself.

[@comfortablynumb9342]

I have an idea that might help in a kayak. Old fashioned window sash weights are iron bars with a loop for a rope at one end. If you drop one to the bottom it should make a good anchor but in a strong wind or current it should slow you down a lot. And if you live around old houses you can probably find some for free. You could also weld on some rebar and make a cheap but effective anchor that won't get stuck easily. I assume a stuck anchor would be a problem in a yak. I've seen the weights in 12 and 8 lb for sure and some smaller ones but I don't know their weight. An 8 pounder would probably be a good kayak anchor.

[@truecrimson1]

5lbs is usually too big for kayak use. Here is how we used to handle the stuck anchor problem; kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zn_NenlrgdSSbtU

[@wendellfishing]

Right on CF!

[@rocketcityastro]

i use a 3lb magnet and have pulled up small pieces of meteorite.

[@wendellfishing]

@@rocketcityastro Whoa.. thats awesome

[@michaelburk9171]

Those could would. But any anchor with out flukes, blades, or a plough tends to drag. I've had success with a 3lb folding 4 fluke anchor. To slow your drift in heavier wind a drift sock/sea anchor is easier and safer than a bottom anchor

[@davidk8504]

I love the stability of my fishing kayak. It's a Lifetime Tamarack 103. I also use a canoe loader that is adequate by Reese, that slides into my hitch receiver and allows me to load and unload my yak with zero drama.

[@wendellfishing]

heck yeah! Nice setup David!

[@andybales7318]

Biggest disadvantage of a sit on top kayak, is in rougher waters your gear & yourself get wet at times...not a big deal in summer, but spring & fall can be unpleasant....I have a 2020 Jackson Kilroy HD, which is almost a hybrid....seat sits up & yak is built like a sit in....all open, bunch of space, comfy seat w/ 2 positions...and never get wet...my other yak, my 1st yak...old town vapor 10 angler sit in....use it more often, being much lighter & never get wet...stability & staying dry are my 2 needs

[@wendellfishing]

Solid point Andy.. thanks for the add!

[@haciendadad]

I learned one tip worth sharing. If you buy bait and put it in a 5 gallon bucket with a aerator to keep your bait alive, buy a second 5 gallon bucket and buy a bag of ice in it, then put your bait bucket in the one with the ice. Your bait will last all day. I saw a video on YT saying that warm warm loses oxygen, so you can aerate it, keep it cold or pour fresh water in the bucket (and maybe take some water out first) bc just pouring water in the bucket is aeratoring the water.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Haciendadad!

[@TracyTsVideos]

I got a 3 Waters Big Fish 108 kayak. It is big, it is heavy, but it is a tank. I’m not into speed anyways, but it will handle some big boat waves or coastal salt water conditions. White caps are no problem at any angle. I use it to explore, fish, and magnet fish from.

[@wendellfishing]

Heck yeah Tracy! Glad you got a yak you love!

[@michaelburk9171]

All kayaks have pros n cons. Big heavy stable kayaks are definitely nice to fish from

[@flipflop_fishingsuzannetys9617]

I love everything about kayak fishing!! Well, except about 10% of the big boats cutting you off or hitting you with their wake because you may be in a spot that they wanted to fish. Oh and sweet hat

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks FlipFlop!!!

[@SRH420ful]

Just got my Kayak one thing I hate so far is figuring out how to get in and out of the water with no boat ramp. I have learned I can detach my little trailer and roll it to the waters edge raise the tongue and let the kayak slide in the water but cannot reverse that procedure if there's any uphill involved too heavy for me alone. So I bought 2 sets of portable wheels installed a trailer crank in my car with 100ft reach . 2nd wheels arriving tomorrow hope it works. The one thing I'll mention that I love is after 50 years of fishing from my boat for the first time I'm fishing from a very comfortable chair instead of standing up and loving it, takes a long time to get tired

[@wendellfishing]

Right on brother!

[@stevencaldwell838]

I’ve been looking at kayak’s and pricing them out with everything I’d want and for the money, I could get a used 12-14’ aluminum boat totally decked out with front and back casting deck’s, 9hp outboard, front trolling motor, some electronics, storage, battery, rod holder’s, and a trailer for the same price more or less! I’ve definitely changed my mind on getting a kayak for sure!

[@wendellfishing]

You like what you like

[@SwampSquatch70]

I love that it’s made me a better angler. I’ve learned to be more methodical. To have a good plan.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on SwampSquatch! A Goal without a plan... is just a wish

[@andrewmoore3995]

I have an Ascend 12t and it's affordable (under a grand new if you get on sale), it's durable, you can stand up in and it has lots of options for storage and modifications. It's not overly heavy so I can slide it up on my roof racks no problem. Seats are comfy but I bought some seat cushions off Amazon and I can stay out 8-12 hours at a time. I get my exercise I need, I can get into spots boaters can't and I'm just having a great time for a fraction of the price of a boat. $1100 with basic upgrades vs $20k-$100k+ for a new bass boat.

[@wendellfishing]

1000% Andrew!

[@OvertheShoulderFishing]

I definitely have a love/hate relationship with my kayak....and that's mostly just because of the wind. But the thing that I love the most, is that it gets me off the bank.

[@wendellfishing]

Yeah.. the wind can be brutal

[@Thatweirduncle]

In Kansas, and I would assume many other states, we have State Fishing Lakes. Just lakes that are constantly maintained and stocked for fishing. Normally they will have trails, facilities, and sometimes campgrounds around them, as well as they will have a lot of Jetties, docks, and a boat ramp or two made for easy access to the water. By far the best advantage though is the entire lake, which they normally are not that big, are no wake zones. You can take your big million dollar speed fishing pontoon canoe deluxe yachte into it, but it will be going just as slow as all of the kayaks and jon boats out there. They are great places to fish, bar the occasional teens or 20 year olds drinking beer and having a good time, but hey, live and let live.

[@wendellfishing]

Some of my favorite places to Yak! GET SOME!

[@rachels209]

Kayak fishing has taught me the art of careful planning. Minimalism is the key. Do I need my sounder for my next days fishing? Sometimes I don’t. ‘I need to take 1/2 a tackle shop if I might encounter ‘x’ species’ is not an option. Even the way I bait fish has changed. I now pack small containers with 8 hooks and seal on the lids with wax so if they are not used, salt water won’t convert them into rusty J’s. If I do indeed use them, then they will be cleaned, replenished and sealed for the next trip. Shorter rods are better suited for some types of fishing. Longer rods are better for some species, but are a pain to re-rig in the dark. I also now keep a word document for ‘Lessons Learnt’ at home with hints and regrets for planning to fish the same area next season.

[@wendellfishing]

You are putting in the work! Definitely will pay off. Well done Rachels!

[@DigsOutdoors]

I love being able to get away from the boats on my home lake. Yeah, the backwater area has a "Barrier" on it. The kayaks can get past no problem. You would rip the bottom off a boat though.

[@wendellfishing]

I have a few of those as well... Also some heavy lillies that boats won't take their boat through.

[@tomearly111]

I have a Chevy Colorado long bed with a T bar trailer hitch extender so no trailer needed and very easy loading and unloading.

[@wendellfishing]

Boom! Easy as Sunday Morning Thomas!

[@danielking3066]

I just bought a Hobie Outback last weekend. I had a Feelfree Lure. I love kayak fishing. I fish all the local ponds and 1 mile off the beach

[@wendellfishing]

Heck yeah Daniel.... get some!!!

[@pb-bx1ll]

Great video thank you. I enjoy my sit in fishing kayak. It is not peddle drive but I still love it

[@wendellfishing]

If you love it.. that's all that matters! Get some P B!

[@mnt180]

My Feelfree Lure 10 V2 lives on top of my GMC Jimmy so, it's always securely locked and ready to deploy ...perfect for my usual backwater cypress swamp trips

[@wendellfishing]

Sounds like someone is living the dream!

[@israelrivas134]

Number one reason is the adventure! Getting out enjoying the outdoors and most importantly fishing! Yes ups and downs but beats a bad day at work lol. In this group I kayak fish with we always say "fishing is a plus" we are they're for the company! Tight lines!

[@wendellfishing]

Right on Israel!

[@timmoore9736]

I bought a used Hobie Pro 14. It is a bit of a pig out of the water, but it is stable on the water. To those who are half or less my age (77), Y'all go spend 10 times what I spent ($1,500) and you still don't have all that much boat, and you have way more maintenance than I do. I fish mostly trout and kokanee, but my first kayak trip was out in the ocean for bottom fish. Unless you buy a dory, you are not going to alunch where we did.

[@wendellfishing]

Awesome.. GET SOME Tim!

[@rkygriz]

I love the fact that I can fish practically any water I want to from my Hoodoo Tempest 120P 12 foot pedal drive kayak. From the low valley lakes in the Central Valley of California(yuck!) ,to virtually any reachable lake in the High Sierras. I fish it anywhere, and everywhere. I've had this one less than a month, but I've set it up to run using either the pedals, or my Minn Kota Endura Max 55 trolling motor. I've already taken it out 5 times on 4 different lakes. in wind, rain, and sun, and she's held together beautifully so far. Ivve added Stealth rod holders, a Brocraft downrigger with 4 pound ball, and a Garmin Striker 4 fishfinder with GPS. I use a 100AH lithium battery to power this craft. It's one heck of a fishing machine!

[@wendellfishing]

You do have a Fishing Machine! Heck yeah

[@dhuze66]

Of all the things you listed the only one that really irks me and will send me home is getting blown around. All my kayaks are paddle kayaks so it's almost impossible in higher winds. I have anchor trolly's on them, but some days even the anchor doesn't hold me and I just give up and leave. The thing I love best is I get into ponds where nobody can. I have to ponds nobody knows how to get onto unless you live on them. And the people who live on them don't fish much. I've talked to most of them from time to time and they mostly just boat around or sit on their docks. Another pond only has access for a small boat or kayak you can carry and the spot is hidden at the back of a church parking lot. They let me park their and ask me about the fishing all the time.

[@wendellfishing]

Those sweet honey holes make kayak fishing just awesome.

[@Raven09s]

I fished from a kayak for a year. Pedal drive. Nice and stable. Got a boat to do more tournament fishing. Haven't gotten my kayak out once ever since. That was 2 years ago.

[@fourwinnsdummy]

I personally love fishing out of my kayaks. I have an Evoke Battleship 120 and an Old Town Autopilot 136. The evoke is not really a 'fishing' kayak but more a touring kayak that already had rod holders and rails. I used it for a while and was happy with it but I also always wanted an actual fishing kayak that you can stand up in without flipping. I also wanted a motor. I was stoked when I learned about the Autopilot series from Old Town. I can take more with me and I can do a lot more in it. They are both great kayaks and both have their ups and downs. I live on a canal that leads out to a good size lake. That lake is also connected to another good size lake with another canal too. I like kayaks because I can get out where I need to be and I don't need a truck or trailer. I can also load them into the canal right off of my seawall. I do think a Hobbie with that pedal drive they make with the fins might be easier to get through the crazy weeds on my lake.

[@wendellfishing]

Heck Yeah.. I have never met a person who did not like the OT Autopilot

[@fourwinnsdummy]

@@wendellfishing It really it a great kayak and a good price too.

[@Bob-d5j]

I absolutely love my NuCanoe. It’s a bit of a barge but I can into water in the bays that boats can’t. Plus no fuel, licensing or insurance costs. Easy to store as well.

[@EarthTrips]

My number one reason for kayak fishing is getting into those places that many people just will never see! That makes it an awesome adventure for me! Great video!🌞🌴

[@wendellfishing]

Couldn't agree more!

[@bbowen4629]

I love these kind of videos to do. Your the best at these. Lots of good info.

[@wendellfishing]

Thanks B! Appreciate it!

[@MagnusSentDooM]

I was thinking the same, if I ever spend that much money I'll get a boat. Then I think about paying to register the boat, trailer and all that u mentioned(take up 1 parking spot, gotta pay for gas, a bit of a challenge going solo{I solo a lot n don't mind}, I like the exercise(great excuse also😂), love the freedom, and much more. Once you get used to loading/unloading the kayak, setting up everything, basically your whole routine and you know where to park and launch from it's awesome! Plus I can park anywhere and pull my kayak in places where there's no others launching from little docks. I don't need a truck to haul it, just load onto my small midsized car and go!

[@wendellfishing]

Amen to that.... Nothing Like Kayak Fishing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/imWpg3aAbphnZq8

[@blackdandelion5549]

As long time boat owner that grew up in a family who owned speed boats to fishing boats I want to be clear about what the word boat stands for Boat = "Bout Another Thousand" and that's doing so much of it at home from repairing motors to my mother and I making new boat cushions to putting in new outdoor carpeted flooring to countless DIY projects at home. I can't begin to tell you how much boats cost. I started exploring not with kayaks, but with a canoe because I was sick of boats and excess space and excess gear and not being able to be close to the water or feel it. I brought a very small anchor for the canoe and would paddle out and fish, sometimes anchored and sometimes letting the wind carry me.

[@wendellfishing]

That sounds about right boss, Thanks for sharing and get out there in that canoe and get some brother!

[@Southwest.Angling]

You said it, no costly maintenance. Sure mine was expensive but I know when I go on the water my paddle will always work lol I keep my kayak simple, I use to run a motor but I find paddling is just a nicer experience. Less to worry about. I think overall ease of use? If that makes sense lol My brother just got a boat and he always tells me to get one. He got out in his boat maybe 5 times? ( motor trouble) I go out just about every weekend In my yak

[@wendellfishing]

Case and point brother! Thanks

[@YaknTackle]

Mainly the ability to access lots of places bigger rigs can't go...Typically I'm vertical jigging for crappie and all my productive spots are within an easy pedal. I rigged it with the small Helix 5, a lithium battery with solar backup, safety lighting and a good ole lumbar support for the seat. Wilderness Systems Recon 120HD. I've really enjoyed it...

[@wendellfishing]

Heck Yeah YaknTackle! Get some!!!

[@robertmotherwell1587]

I’d say every nagar I’ve you turned to positive is why I love fishing from a kayak. You don’t need a truck you don’t need a trailer, even tho that’s fine. You can go anywhere. I really like the point you made about bass boats. Yeah the cab get across the water to their favorite spots. My favorite part about a kayak you can fish the spot you want way more intimately…imo you catch more fish that way.

[@wendellfishing]

Big facts there brother! I believe you catch more fish that way as well. Definitely has evolved me as a bass fisherman.. throwing in places I would have never really thrown before.

[@mitchellludwig5882]

It is a lot of fun getting pulled around by crappies. I can also get to places that larger boats can't even think about getting. I only have about $600 stuck into my kayak right now. That includes all my attachments. Still working on getting a fish locator.

[@wendellfishing]

Heck yeah.. welcome to the addiction

[@robertandrews5656]

i have a 18.5 foot bass boat (2001) I requires lots of work to spend a few hours on the water. My kayak is simple, and I am learning ways to make it easier all the time ... Simplicity verses complexity and expense.

[@wendellfishing]

Well said Robert.. makes sense to me!

[@sanman187-]

Check out the Advanced Elements Ultralite. 17lbs, 10.5' long, very stable. Not as luxurious as yours, but is easy to setup, folds up to fit into the trunk of your car in its own backpack. It's a real "go anywhere" stable, easy-to-handle craft. Yeah, I have to do without a motor and a lot of other extras, but it's great fun nonetheless. ...I definitely love slow and quiet! I've learned that minimal works, too!!

[@wendellfishing]

Minimal works too indeed! Get Some!

[@JamesHays-ur2qs]

Just got a inflatable kayak love it got a cheap like sleeping Mat and a folding white padded board chair i set on inflatable chair to get better lift

[@wendellfishing]

Niiiiice.. GET SOME JAMES!

[@BucktailFishing]

You angered the Murder Birds! LoL. Kayak fishing has made me a more organized and methodical fisherman. Going where boats and banklers can't go is my favorite thing. Every time someone tells me "ain't no fish over there" that's where I go. I almost always catch those fish that Cletus the Slack-Jawed Yokel says aren't there. Pro Tip: put a Ziploc bag full of TP somewhere on your kayak. Good video 👌

[@wendellfishing]

I'm sure that "Sucks" and "I'm Going to Murder those Geese" may demonetize the video... Oh Well. :)

[@jamaciadog5603]

Good pro tip. I remember one time coming home from fishing and only wearing one sock.

[@comfortablynumb9342]

Baby wipes or Dude Wipes are another option. Baby wipes are good for your hands and face if they need cleaning too.

[@truecrimson1]

Always have TP AND baby wipes/wet ones for your hands.

[@tanker335]

Cletus told you that BECAUSE he knows there are fish there. Pro tip: If you get stranded in the woods or swamp, make sure you have Cletus instead of Bob from accounting. He'll be a damn sight more useful.

[@Elnegro..]

Most injuries for me on a kayak is checking my trout line and jug lines, wind and waves hit different on a kayak and sometimes causes me to hook myself wich isn't pretty and hurts to unhook but also hurts to leave hooked as it's usually still attached to line unless I cut it off thus I have to use my legs to keep steady on line while unhooking myself all while it's windy and wavy.

[@wendellfishing]

Be safe out there brother!

[@aaronspicer1093]

I just got a pelican catch mode 110 for myself and a pelican escape 120x for the wife and we go out on the weekend. This weekend will be my first time kayak fishing. I live in the Yukon in northern canada and just recently subscribed to your channel! looking foreward to this.

[@wendellfishing]

Have fun brother! There's nothing like it!

[@ChrisWhite.fishing]

I am looking at kayaks, because it might free up my hands while fishing, but i'm concerned you can't really stand in it. Pike fishing is mainly standing, the heavy lures makes you hold rods tip down and casting a 170g lure isn't a viable option while seated. Correct me if i'm wrong, but i'm fishing from an by-design-overstabilised canoe, which is about 27kg, less gadgety and less manoeuvrable, but I do fish standing and turning in it A LOT. I do hate the single paddle tho and might opt for a small electric motor.

[@wendellfishing]

I think you would surprised how stable they are for stand up fishing. The pontoon style hulls will be more stable than a canoe so you should be good.

[@JohnLee-ud2gm]

Just got my first yak,a lifetime Tamarack angler fishing kayak. Learning to cast out of it especially with a bait casting rod is my biggest issue.I will adjust to it.Other than that i love it.

[@wendellfishing]

Good luck!

[@JohnLee-ud2gm]

@@wendellfishing Thanks

[@ai_is_a_great_place]

I've never been fishing really, but I'm getting my license and equipment and an inflatable kayak - this video was great to watch to see the flipside

[@wendellfishing]

Heck yeah.. welcome to the dark side!!

[@GunDolfOutdoors]

I’m new at this but being able to throw it in the bed of my truck and go is the major plus! Yes my PDL120 is heavy and awkward, guess I need to get in shape! I fished a lake in Wyoming a couple days ago that’s closed to ALL motor traffic, we put our Yaks on the carts and launched…Smallmouth were biting for about 5 hours and a couple Muskies gave follow, that lake is going to be a great spot for years to come!

[@wendellfishing]

Heck yeah.. sounds like you got the honey hole to boot!

[@mat..n.7061]

When I got into kayak fishing my main rule was no matter what happen during a trip I want to be able to carry this kayak in my hands for whatever reason. I mean, my goal was to not fish with a boat... so I bought a 55 pounds Tarpon 105 which track pretty well, has decent space, and equiped it only with the most basic things because I new it would be annoying to have lots of gear to load/unload. The wind is my primary reason why kayak fishing sucks, it ruined probably half of my fishing trips. I mean you mostly have only two days per week to go fishing and sometimes you just take a chance...

[@leonbrowning3695]

I have a bigfish 120 and paddled it roughly 21 miles around lake fork over 3 days while fishing a tournament....it was rough but worth it

[@lukelizotte2813]

Nice option to replace the pelican catch 120 I have. I need a kayak with a seat that is higher and than can handle the weight.

[@wendellfishing]

Right on brother!

[@toastbills9774]

I"m a new angler and your video convinced me to invest in a kayak, thanks Wendell, great explanation on pros and cons.

[@wendellfishing]

Heck yeah brother. 1 Thank you for your service.. and 2. Welcome to Kayak Fishing.. there's nothing like it. What Yak did you end up with?

[@toastbills9774]

@@wendellfishing Thank you Sir! I'm still researching but also considering the Hobie kayaks, Mirage Outback perhaps. I let my wife know what I want for Christmas, so I've got lots of time to figure it out and watch great informative videos like your channel! I've been missing out all these years that's for sure, but better late than never, hah

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

The kayak like yours is pretty sweet. I need to add one to my wish list!

[@wendellfishing]

Heck yeah! You just need to get Bonafide to send you one! :)

[@traviss9059]

Loading and unloading sometimes makes me not want to go at all. I also have a 12 foot fishing kayak and a 2014 Dodge Avenger...so I'm on the verge of cracking my back window every time I load. I put a hallway runner rug over the back of my car to load/unload.

[@basskirkster]

I just caught my first good one of 2023 (19”, 4lb largemouth) at a small lake that only kayaks and canoes can fish. Was awesome

[@wendellfishing]

Oh heck yes Kirk.. nice one