Saltwater fishing has long been thought a hobby of the wealthy because it can require expensive equipment. While it’s true that many types of sport fishing necessitate large boats capable of deep sea fishing, the rise of kayak fishing has opened saltwater fishing to a new range of anglers.
The key difference between kayak fishing and traditional saltwater fishing is obvious – the substitution of a kayak for a motorized boat. This is a major swap because a large portion of the benefits of kayak fishing that have led to its increased popularity are due to the absence of the typical characteristics of a boat:
- Silence. The absence of a motor on a kayak provides the angler with the ability to approach fish as close to silently as possible. This can mean a crucial boost in fooling and catching fish.
- Accessibility. The much more manageable size of a kayak as compared to most motorboats can open up a host of new fishing opportunities. Water need not be as deep or as wide to launch a kayak, and once boarded, a kayak can squeeze into some relatively narrow inlets.
- Cost. A new motorboat can cost $20,000 brand new, and that’s merely the beginning. Meanwhile, fishing kayaks typically begin in the hundreds to low thousands, according to kayakguru. A wide range of prices based on the features is again a factor, but generally, kayaks are much more affordable.
Can Saltwater Kayak Fishing Benefit You?
Past years’ increase in kayak sales – particularly that of fishing kayaks – indicate an increase in kayak fishing in general. Certainly, more and more anglers are discovering the varied benefits of a fishing trip that ditches bulky motorboats and equipment in favor of the more versatile kayak. Could you benefit from giving kayaks a try?
As mentioned before, kayaks are cost-effective, both in their initial price and seasonally in regards to upkeep. Money normally spent on boat payments or maintenance fees could be spent traveling to new fishing destinations, or customizing a kayak so that it meets your specific needs.
Most anglers new to saltwater kayak fishing appreciate the increased access to much smaller bodies of water, inlets, and backwaters. These spots are less likely to be fished, and thus more productive. In addition, these diamonds in the rough can provide a sense of discovery for nearly any angler.
Finally, saltwater kayak fishing offers a unique fishing experience that has only been widely acknowledged in the past decade or so. The ability to fish from a kayak’s low vantage point provides an intimate look at the fish’s habitat. The relatively slow pace of the kayak lends itself to more stationary fishing, increasing the satisfaction when that elusive fish is finally hooked.
Overall, saltwater kayak fishing is a great low-cost, accessible way to get on the water. When you factor in increased portability and a decreased wait time from home to water, it’s easy to see why kayak fishing is a rapidly growing form of saltwater fishing.
The best way to try kayak fishing could be with a kayak fishing guide. Yes, they do exist, and with a little searching, you can line one up pretty easily in your neck of the woods.