Mike R : Fishing Forum Posts

I have owned several fishing kayaks. my last was a Hobie PA 12. I tell everyone the same thing about kayaks, you get what you spend. None of them are perfect, but the yak companies that have kept up with the demands of the sport usually pay closer attention to safety. The biggest problem is consumer ignorance. Know the laws pertaining to kayaks and the specific safety equipment required before you ever look at purchasing one. This will not only aid you in your search, but will also make you a better kayaker/fisherman. Once you purchase, learn to fall out and get back in. Understand that a bass boat going even at a lower speed on plane may not be able to see you. I actually had a fisherman turn around and come talk to me one time. I was wearing bright orange shirt and life jacket and my kayak was dune colored. he said he was running 40 mph and never saw me until he was even with me. My clothing caused me to blend with the background on the bank and the water was a little choppy so there was some smaller caps that day. Since I no longer kayak fish, I have noticed that many kayakers don't have a clue to how hard they are to see simply because they are so low to the water and how much they blend in to their surroundings. Now with that said, I would by any of the kayaks I've owned again. I had very specific requirements with each purchase and bought what was best suited to my needs. The way I see it is your life is important to you don't let price become the deciding factor. There are tons of very well taken care of used kayaks out there. Kayak fishing is one of the most awesome ways to fish. I not only caught more fish, but on average better quality fish out of a kayak. Just keep safety in mind and make an informed purchase.