Kayak Buying Guide

By W2 Staff

With the economy still hampering big ticket boat purchases the rise of the kayak as many anglers’ choice of craft has been nothing short of spectacular in the last few years. Our region is blessed with plenty of rivers, big and small that lend themselves to good kayaking. On most weekends you’ll find a colorful armada of kayaks plying the riffles and eddies.

By far the most popular type of kayak for fishing is the sit-on-top design. Easy access both in and out allow for wading, some standing and use by many folks unable to get in and out of a sit-in kayak. Scuppers drain water out of a sit-on-tops unsinkable hull. Plenty of design elements make each of the following lines stand apart but you will note some features that are standard across manufacturers’ models.

When you are ready to purchase your fishing kayak, do check with the W2 dealers first instead of big box stores. You can often test paddle and get accessories rigged by pros when you buy from a dealer.

Emotion

The popularity of this line of kayaks has grown quickly in recent years due to the high value and low price. The Stealth Angler hull at 10’3” and 30” wide is a great fishing kayak complete with bow storage hatch, large stern storage well, three rod holders, adjustable seat and paddle keepers. The Emotion Mojo Angler is a popular choice for area kayakers, too. At 12’4” long and 32” wide it’s bigger and very stable. It has the industry’s only adjustable and removable console that comes with a rod holder and dry box. Two other flush mounted rod holders are behind the adjustable seat along with bow storage compartment and generous stern storage well. The Glide Angler is Emotion’s sit-in fishing kayak. It only weighs 37 pounds so it’s great for getting back into remote waters. Adjustable foot pegs, two flush-mounted rod holders, adjustable seat, paddle keeper and bow and stern bungee storage racks are standard.

You can see the 2010 Emotion kayaks at Lake Anna Outfitters. 540.894.3540 www.lakeannalife.com.

Feel Free

The Moken kayaks are what anglers like most in the Feel Free line up. They come in 10’, 12’4” and 13’ models equipped with cockpit hatches, carry handles instead of straps, adjustable track foot pegs, a rear wheel for easy transport and stern storage well. You can upgrade to Angler packages and get some neat features like a drainable front storage hatch/compartment and more.

Feel Free kayaks are available at Appomattox River Co. 434.392.6645 www.paddleva.com

Hobie

This company offers one of the most unique “kayaks” on the market when combined with Hobie’s patented MirageDrive pedal powered system. It employs fins and pedals to move the kayak. You don’t even have to paddle, just pedal as you fish. The Hobie Pro Angler is new for 2010. It’s a 13’8”, 38” wide fishing boat that weighs 88 pounds. More traditional Hobie kayaks include the Mirage Sport Fish, Mirage Outback Fish and Mirage Revolution Fish.

You’ll find the new Hobies at Appomattox River Co. 434.392.6645 www.paddleva.com

Malibu

This kayak manufacturer has plenty of models that double as fishing craft. The Mini-X Fish & Dive model is a 9’3” long and 33.5” wide kayak that comes standard with paddle keepers, center hatch, front storage hatch with bucket and four rod holders. The Pro Explorer is 12’5” long and 31” wide. Upgrade to the Fish & Dive package and get paddle holders, center hatch, front hatch with straps, two rod holders and rear storage hatch. The X-13 is a similar kayak that measures 13’10” long and 29” wide.

You can see the new Malibu kayaks at Appomattox River Co. 434.392.6645 www.paddleva.com and Old Dominion Kayaks 804.833.7220 www.gotkayak.com

Ocean Kayak

Don’t be fooled by the name that infers these kayaks are only for the brine. Ocean Kayaks are popular where ever there’s water. The Prowler Big Game Angler at 12’9” and 34” wide is stable and functional with front strapped storage compartment, foot pegs, rear deck storage area. The Prowler Trident models is available in 11’5”, 13’6” and 15.75” versions and come standard with a Rod Pod, Sonar Shield, transducer compatible scuppers, rod holders, front strapped lid storage compartment, foot pegs and rear storage well.

You can see the new Malibu kayaks at Appomattox River Co. 434.392.6645 www.paddleva.com

Native Watercraft

This is the only other kayak manufacturer that offers alternatives to paddling. The Native Propel pedal drive uses a traditional pedal and propeller system if you don’t fee like paddling. This is available on the Mariner 10 and 12.5 models. This sit-on top boat has an open rear deck design, rod holders, adjustable seat, front and rear storage compartments, paddle keepers and grab handles. You can also equip them with the Volt electric motor propulsion system.

You can see the new Malibu kayaks at Appomattox River Co. 434.392.6645 www.paddleva.com

Wilderness Systems

The Tarpon Angler model is one of the most popular fishing kayaks in the nation. These boats come in four version; the Tarpon 120 Angler, the Tarpon 120 Ultralight Angler, the Tarpon 140 Angler and the Tarpon 160 Angler. All are roto-molded polyethylene plastic except for the ultra-light model which uses a two-piece deck and hull construction process and a very light and slick-to-the-touch plastic.

A new Sidetracks accessory mounting system is a popular option and makes adding gear a snap. There are tackle pockets and bungee in all the right places, plus three rod holders, adjustable food pegs and the industry’s most comfortable seat along with bow and stern storage compartments.

The Wilderness System Ride 135 Angler is another popular boat among area fishing enthusiasts. The 32-inch wide tri-hull allows for super stable stand-up casting with a top deck format similar to the Tarpons.

Wilderness’ best-selling sit-in for anglers is the Pungo Angler. There’s a 12-footer and a 14-footer.

You’ll find the 2010 Wilderness System Boats at Appomattox River Co. 434.392.6645 www.paddleva.com

Top Fish Kayak Accessories Guide

Now that you’ve bought or are about to buy a fishing kayak, you need to consider what accessories you want to add. In the last few years your options of accessories has gone from a visit to Home Depot to make your own to dozens of cool and functional items. Here are some we can recommend.

VisiPole – A must if you are going to fish at sundown or after dark. This device fits Scotty mounts or in a flush mount rod holder and offers a night light and flag style of your choice (high-vis orange, pirate or American flag). A new VisiPole Carbon Pro will be available at select dealers this month. It’s said to be even more durable and comes in two pieces (like a fishing rod) with a storage bag. www.yakattack.us

Scotty rod holder and rod holder extender – Just about all manufacturers use Scotty products on their rigs. You can customize yours with above deck or flush mounts, rod holders and rod holder extenders which can put your fishing pole right a your hands instead of an uncomfortable stretch away. www.scotty.com

Surf2Summit Hot Seat – Some kayaks do not come with seats. Others just come with a seat back. Add this neoprene accessory and you won’t get swamp butt. www.lakeannaoutfitters.com

Surf2Summit flush mount rod holder – These are also standard issue from most manufacturers, however the ones with a plugged end are best so your boat doesn’t take on water. www.lakeannaoutfitters.com

Malone JDock Kayak Storage System – Simple, easy to install and only $60? Stores two kayaks and paddles horizontally, on edge to avoid hull stress. www.lakeannaoutfitters.com

Malone Deluxe Kayak Carrying System – Trying to avoid purchasing a $450 rack for your truck or car? This essential will only set you back $50 and will safely transport your boat. www.lakeannaoutfitters.com

Depth finder – Some say it’s necessary, others say it’s not. Humminbird has made it easy to decide for your self. They now makes one for kayak anglers, the 385ci Combo. It features a color, 320x240 resolution screen with GPS chartplotter and built-in maps. It comes with a kayak transducer installation kit, a 12V sealed battery and charger, a battery dry bag, quick disconnect cap and unit cover for $499.